RADIATOR COOLANT FLUID EXCHANGE SERVICES
RADIATOR COOLANT FLUID EXCHANGE
Help keep your engine cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Based on your manufacturer's recommendation and/or test results, Sanders Services removes used engine coolant (also called antifreeze), replaces it with coolant that meets or exceeds your manufacturer specifications and properly disposes of the used fluid.
WHAT WE DO:
Based on your manufacturer's recommendations and/or test results, We remove used engine coolant (also called antifreeze), replaces it with coolant that meets or exceeds your manufacturer's specifications and properly disposes of the used fluid.
HOW IT WORKS:
A properly functioning engine cooling system circulates coolant through the engine and radiator, helping reduce heat levels, lubricating the water pump and protecting against corrosion. Your vehicle even uses the cooling system to heat the passenger cabin. When your vehicle's cooling system isn't functioning properly, the temperature of your engine can get hot enough to potentially damage itself. Having your engine cooling system properly maintained can help optimize the performance and longevity of your engine.
HOW OFTEN:
You should change your coolant according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation and/or test results.
Sanders Services recommends following manufacturer recommendations, where applicable, for maintenance schedules and service intervals.
SIGNS OF A BAD RADIATOR
Overheating
The radiator’s primary purpose is to cool liquid coolant as it circulates through the car's engine. The cooler liquid re-circulates to the engine and keeps the car running cooler. However, if the radiator is going bad, its cooling capacity may be degraded or the radiator could fail completely. For this reason, a faulty radiator typically causes higher operating temperatures in the engine or, in a worst-case scenario, a complete breakdown caused by overheating. A bad radiator can lead to overheating during heavy acceleration, when driving at high speed or when coming to a stop after highway driving. However, these symptoms may also indicate a faulty thermostat or a failing radiator cap. Likewise, a car that overheats immediately after starting may have electrical issues or problems with the temperature sensor unit rather than a failing radiator.
Leaking Coolant
Because the function of the radiator is to disperse heat from the car’s liquid coolant and then return the coolant to the engine, the fluid must flow through the radiator and usually collects in the radiator reservoir. If the radiator fails or if it becomes cracked, the coolant may begin to leak out. Such leaks are not always easy to detect, as coolant may drip onto pavement while you are driving or onto a parking lot where you might never notice it. Moreover, coolant leaks can develop at any point in the vehicle’s cooling system. For this reason, coolant pooled on a driveway or garage floor does not necessarily indicate a bad or cracked radiator. To identify the origin of a coolant leak, To test for a bad radiator we perform a pressure test to look for leaks to confirm or rule out a bad radiator.
Radiator Sludge
Automotive coolant is a liquid, usually colored green or yellow, and its consistency generally is that of water. If a radiator goes bad, rust or debris may contaminate the fluid, leaving it rust- or oil-colored. A rusty radiator may also cause flaking in the coolant, which eventually creates a sludge that no longer efficiently cools the engine. My Honest Mechanic warns that radiator sludge will not completely drain, and sludge that remains in a radiator after a coolant flush will continue to inhibit cooling; for this reason, drivers should replace a radiator that develops sludge.
Air Conditioning
Additional Information
A/C EVACUATION AND RECHARGE
A vehicle without cool air conditioning can be a sweaty and uncomfortable ride. A properly working A/C keeps you and everyone else in the vehicle comfortable and cool all the way to your destination.
WHAT WE DO:
Sanders Services visually inspects the air conditioning compressor drive belt, serpentine belt and all accessible components for cracks, leaks and damage. Then we check the operation of the air conditioning compressor. If no leaks or damage are found, we evacuate the refrigerant from the system, vacuum test and recharge the air conditioning system using the appropriate refrigerant according to your vehicle manufacturer's specification.
Sanders Services does not recommend servicing systems with detected leaks or damage. The evacuation and recharge is designed for periodic maintenance rather than A/C repair, but rest assured that Sanders Services can provide all the repairs needed to get you’re A/C system up and running.
HOW IT WORKS:
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system, or A/C, cools and removes moisture from the air inside of your vehicle using three main components: the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator.
The compressor, driven by the vehicle’s drive belt, pumps the refrigerant through the A/C system. Inside this closed system, the refrigerant is exposed to high and low pressure, forcing it to change states between gas and liquid in order to capture and then release heat. While in a gas state, the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, capturing heat. The refrigerant then moves through the A/C lines and into the condenser, where the refrigerant cools as heat is released outside of the passenger compartment, and the refrigerant returns to a liquid.
For the system to work optimally, the system must have the proper amount of refrigerant and be free of contaminants.
HOW OFTEN:
Over time, an A/C system begins to lose its charge and become contaminated. If you notice that your vehicle isn’t cooling, visit us for A/C diagnostic.
Water Pump
Additional Information
Water Pump Replacement
Your engine generates an incredible amount of heat. If the engine is not cooled with the help of the water pump, your car will break down. However, there are some telltale signs of impending car water pump failure. If you need a water pump mechanic, Sanders can help!
How to Tell if You Need a Water Pump Replacement All models of gas powered cars, SUVs and trucks have water pumps. The process for diagnosing water pump failure is the same for all vehicles. Observation is the number one method, so make sure to ask yourself the following questions:
Is radiator fluid puddled beneath your vehicle?
Check the overflow container – does it have green or orange residue on the bottom or smell bad?
General overheating – is you're consistently running hot?
Or does it run hot at low speeds?
Does your engine make noises, especially a rumbling sound?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, your vehicle may be in need of water pump service. Your local Meineke Car Care Center is the best place to confirm a diagnosis and have any necessary repairs performed.
How Much Does a Water Pump Replacement Cost?
The cost of water pump replacement depends on the make, model and year of your vehicle. These three factors determine how easy it is to access the water pump and whether it is belt or chain driven. Sometimes small engines have water pumps located in difficult to access places in your engine. So, replacing a car pump of a small, inexpensive car can cost more than replacing a water pump in a large engine luxury model. In addition, a failed water pump is often caused by another malfunctioning engine cooling part including the engine thermostat, radiator, or head gasket.
Need Help with your Water Pump Repair?
We always perform water pump repairs using top-quality parts installed by trained service technicians. Call us today if you have any questions regarding your vehicle’s water pump.
Signs Of A Bad Heater Core
What is a heater core anyway?
A heater core is very important because it allows your hot coolant from your engine to circulate through the passenger cabin, which allows your heater to get hot air. A bad heater core is a bigger issue to come across in the cold, winter months, especially if you’re dealing with freezing temperature climates.
The purpose of your heater core is to disperse heat and let your heater and defroster function well. The heater core is usually located right behind your car’s dashboard and is usually a tricky place to get to. This is why repair costs can be much higher than a normal repair if you are going to your local automotive repair shop.
How does a heater core go bad?
There are multiple reasons a car’s heater core could not be working properly. One reason could be due to clogging, as the coolant could become contaminated if it’s not regularly flushed out. Another reason for a bad heater core could be because of a leak somewhere in the system. Find a local car repair shop to properly diagnose your car issues to be safe.
What are the signs of a bad heater core?
Here are the most common signs that your heater core is going bad and things to look out for in the future:
1. A sweet smell inside of your car. -
If you smell a very strong, sweet smell inside of your vehicle, this is a sure sign that you have coolant or some sort of fluid leaking. If you smell the sweet smell on the outside of your vehicle, check to see if you have a leak going on under your car.
2. There is little or NO heat coming out. -
A lack of heat could be a sure sign that your heater core is bad. There could be a slight chance that your blower motor has failed. Still get it checked by the professionals to be sure.
3. Your car is going through coolant fast. -
If your car is constantly running out of fluid, you most definitely have a heater core issue at hand. You may not be able to find the leak due to the coolant getting out when the car system is cold and leaks from your cabin.
4. Your car is fogged up. -
The most common sign that you have a bad heater core is when the inside of your car is fogged up! You want to make sure to get your car looked at right away as this chemical, ethylene glycol, leaking is harmful to your health. If you are driving and this happens, make sure to roll down your windows and to get it repaired the same day.
5. Your car is overheating. -
Lastly, a sure sign of a bad heater core is when your vehicle overheats. This could be due to a blown head gasket or a plugged heater core issue. Do not drive your vehicle if it continues to overheat, and make sure to bring it in to your local automotive repair shop as soon as possible! We hope these tips on what causes a bad heater core have given you some knowledge on the topic and help you start to take preventative actions to avoid these issues!