Ann Arbor Asian Import Auto Repair Shop

Cooling System Service in Ann Arbor MI

Automotive cooling system repair shop in Ann Arbor MI can fix any cooling system problem. We specialize in car climate control problems to keep you comfortable in summer or winter.

Automotive cooling system failure is the most common mechanical failure. Car cooling system problems can range from minor inconvenience to extremely expensive. You can prevent most cooling system problems with regular coolant replacement (flush and fill) and cooling system inspection. If you see green, amber, or yellow fluid under your vehicle make an appointment for an inspection and free estimate. Give Abbott Street Auto Service a call at (734) 665-8700 and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.

Signs Your Cooling System Needs Service

  • Heater runs constantly but never gets warm
  • Coolant level drops with no visible leak
  • Blows cold air even when set to 'Hot'
  • Inconsistent temperature control
  • Coolant leaks on the ground
  • Slow to blow warm air

How Often To Change Coolant

Your vehicle owner's manual will specify how often the coolant should be replaced. A general guideline is to flush and replace coolant every 2 years. Since coolant deteriorates over time coolant replacement is not dependent on how often you use your vehicle or distance driven.

What We Do

Our cooling system service performance and diagnostic check include:

  • Visually inspect heating & cooling system parts and components
  • Visually inspect coolant pump drive belt
  • Inspect and test radiator pressure cap
  • Performance test cooling system
  • Check operation of cooling fan
  • Pressure test cooling system
  • System control test
  • Drain and flush old coolant
  • Refill with vehicle manufacturer's specified coolant
  • Optional dye leak detection test (for difficult-to-find leaks)

PLEASE NOTE: coolant system servicing is a periodic maintenance service rather than a diagnostic or repair service. If you are experiencing a cooling system problem or heating system problem it is more economical to inform us before performing maintenance servicing.

Our ASE-certified technicians perform a checklist inspection of your complete heating and cooling system and provide a written report with the estimated repair cost of any cooling system problems.

Expert Cooling System Repair

Automotive HVAC repair in Ann Arbor MI

Providing auto cooling system service near Ann Arbor MI, Dexter MI, Pittsfield MI, Saline MI, Ypsilanti MI

General Cooling System Information

Coolant Replacement Flush & Fill

Over time the coolant anti-corrosion, anti-foaming, and lubricating properties break down. Rust, corrosion, and mineral deposits begin forming throughout the cooling system, which results in damaged parts, overheating, and engine damage.

Your vehicle's cooling system consists of a number of parts working together to circulate a liquid called "coolant" in order to keep the engine running at the optimal operating temperature. Coolant system service is the removal and replacement of engine coolant using state-of-the-art coolant recovery equipment. Coolant is poisonous and harmful to the environment so we recover old coolant and send it to recycling.

Coolant system service extends radiator and coolant system life and efficiency.

Common Cooling System Problems

Coolant fluid leak, engine overheating, sweet burnt smell, fluid leak in passenger compartment, greasy film on inside of windshield, white smoke coming from under hood or tailpipe.

Antifreeze/Coolant

Antifreeze coolant is combined 50% to 70% with distilled water and flows through your radiator and engine to provide engine cooling. If your vehicle is an automatic transmission the coolant also provides cooling for the transmission. some vehicles also have a power steering fluid cooler in the radiator.

Drive Belt

The drive belt or serpentine belt powers the water or coolant pump. Belts are subject to high under-hood temperatures. Belts deteriorate over time and need periodic replacement. Oil leaks and coolant leaks can cause premature deterioration and failure of drive belts. Visual inspections can usually indicate their condition. Most vehicle manufacturers have recommended a serpentine drive belt replacement schedule. Belt failure will result in major engine damage.

The drive belt also provides power to engine-mounted accessories like the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, mechanical engine cooling fan, and alternator.

Driving belt breakage will result in the loss of one or more drive accessories. Drive belt failure can be a safety hazard with loss of power steering. The loss of alternator operation will cause the engine to quit running. Studies show the chance of drive belt failure rises dramatically after:

  • 5 years / 50,000 miles for serpentine belts
  • 4 years / 36,000 miles for V-belts

Cooling Fan

Your cooling fan is responsible for pushing air through the radiator so it can release hot engine heat into the surrounding air. If your fan malfunctions your engine will quickly overheat resulting in serious engine damage. Most modern vehicles have an electric cooling fan that is controlled by the vehicle's onboard computer.

Coolant Reservoir

The coolant reservoir, or coolant expansion tank, maintains the level of coolant as the engine warms and cools.

Heater Core

The heater core is a mini radiator that provides heat for the passenger compartment and windshield defrost. Like a radiator, the heater core deteriorates with age. Heater core leaks can result from not regularly replacing the coolant. A plugged heater core will cause a lack of heat for the passenger compartment.

Hoses

Coolant hoses are a flexible connection for coolant to flow between the engine, radiator, and heater core. A leaking or ruptured hose will result in a loss of coolant and major engine damage.

Radiator hoses and heater hoses are subjected to extremely high coolant and under-hood temperatures. They deteriorate over time and need periodic replacement. Since hoses 'rot' from the inside out visual inspections are not a good indication of their condition. Most vehicle manufacturers have recommended a coolant hose replacement schedule.

Radiator

The radiator transfers the engine heat to the air. Common radiator problems are plugged radiator and radiator leaks from internal corrosion. Both are caused by not regularly replacing the coolant. Some radiators can be repaired, some need complete radiator replacement.

Radiator Cap

The pressure cap, also known as the radiator cap, is located on the radiator or coolant reservoir. A malfunctioning radiator cap will cause overheating and engine damage. Your pressure cap should be inspected at least once a year for correct function.

Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature. A thermostat that doesn't work properly can result in your engine overheating or failing to warm up. A bad thermostat can severely affect vehicle fuel mileage.

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