One fluid, two jobs, both seasons
Reno gets real winters and hot summers, and the coolant in an engine has to handle both. That is worth understanding, because the same test answers both questions.
Coolant is a mix of antifreeze and water. The antifreeze lowers the temperature at which the mix freezes, and it also raises the temperature at which it boils. Too much water and the mix can freeze on a cold night, which can crack a radiator or worse. Too little protection at the other end and the engine boils over on a hot climb.
A strength test measures the mix and tells you where you stand on both counts. It takes a few minutes and costs very little next to a cracked radiator.
Why the mix drifts
Topping up with plain water is the usual cause. A small leak gets topped up repeatedly over a summer, and by winter the mix has been diluted without anyone deciding to dilute it.
Which means a vehicle that has needed regular topping up is the one to test first, and the leak is the real problem to find.
Signs worth booking for
- Coolant that needs topping up more than occasionally.
- A sweet smell after driving, or drips under the front of the vehicle.
- A temperature gauge that climbs on hills or in traffic.
- Weak heat from the heater in winter.
The national cooling system page covers what to do if the gauge goes into the red. Heat that comes and goes at the vents can also be A/C service, and a fault that turns out to be the engine itself is engine repair, both here.
About this store
The Reno store runs eighteen services and is managed by Fred Sinfellow.
See the national cooling system page for all 33 locations.