Cooling System Repair Vancouver & Surrounding Areas

Your car’s cooling system helps keep your engine at optimum operating temperatures. Engines produce a considerable amount of heat which could warp or damage various components and systems – damage that results in very expensive repairs. If your engine is too cold, its components will wear out more quickly and it will tend to emit more pollutants. Your cooling system ensures that the engine heats quickly and then remains at a steady temperature thereafter for efficient performance. The cooling system’s primary objective, however, is to provide protection against engine overheating. Car engines produce a lot of heat, and the cooling system dissipates that heat into the air in order to keep your engine at a constant and optimal temperature.

Check Your Antifreeze & Radiator: Maintenance & Service

Regular maintenance of your radiator and antifreeze is a small investment that prevents major repairs. Your radiator should be cleaned of the deposits that may build up inside since these deposits can clog the hoses and other components of the cooling system and cause your engine to overheat. Engine antifreeze/coolant may also degrade due to high operating temperatures, becoming corrosive and lead to failure of hoses, thermostats, radiators, water pumps, and heater cores. Loss of antifreeze/coolant can cause engine overheating, and hence engine failure. Insufficient antifreeze strength can result in freezing ruptures and hard starting problems in the winter. Your Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centre mechanic will ensure that all components of your cooling system are clean and working correctly.

If your dashboard gauge shows your engine temperature running higher than normal or if you find puddles of antifreeze under your car, it’s time to visit Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres for cooling system repair at our Vancouver, BC, or Alberta-area garages. Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centre technicians are trained to inspect engine antifreeze/coolant quality and to diagnose any leaks and associated potential problems. Drive in to your nearest Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centre location for preventive maintenance, repairs and replacements of engine antifreeze/coolant and cooling system components.

How often should I refill my engine coolant? Are there specific times intervals, like oil changes, that I should adhere to?

Due to high engine operating temperatures, coolant will deteriorate over time. This deterioration causes the coolant to become acidic, thereby resulting in internal corrosion of cooling system components. Fortunately, most manufacturers now install long-life coolant that can last up to 5 years or 250,000 km. On a periodic basis, it is always prudent to check coolant levels, and replenish to the “fill” line when necessary. One thing to keep in mind is that there are various types of coolant on the market and, unless you’re flushing the coolant tank and replacing its entire contents (your owner’s manual will tell you how often this should be done), you need to make sure you use the exact same type when refilling. Bring your vehicle to Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centre and we’ll make sure all your fluids are properly topped off.

My engine cooling fan comes on very often. Does this indicate some sort of engine problem?

Not necessarily. Your fan is controlled by your vehicle’s computer, and is programmed to switch on whenever a certain temperature is reached. It’s a safety measure. However, if you do notice that the engine temperature climbs faster than usual, and/or your engine coolant fan is coming on more often than it used to, this is a sign that something is wrong (e.g. thermostat failure, low coolant level, etc.). Bring your vehicle to Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centre and we will properly diagnose the problem.

Running my car's AC during an exceptionally hot day will keep both me and my engine cool, right?

There are several factors that could be causing your cooling system to malfunction, such as a coolant fluid leak, a thermostat problem, loose fan belt, problems with your water pump, a dirty radiator, or simply low coolant levels. The one thing all of these have in common is the need for immediate service. You do not want to put your engine through prolonged overheating, as the consequences can be serious and even dangerous. Pull into your nearest Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centre location or, if you’re stuck on the side of the road, call and we’ll take over from there.

6 Signs That Your Alternator Is Failing
December 28, 2020
The alternator is a crucial part of your car’s electrical system. It powers most of the vehicle’s electrical components when the engine is running, including the headlights, windshield wipers, dashboard instruments, power steering and radio. The alternator is also what keeps the battery charged so that your car turns on whenever you need it.…
5 Wonderful Winter Road Trips Near Kelowna
December 22, 2020
Do you need a change of scenery? Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to experience a relaxing winter getaway. Here are five destinations for every type of vacationer — all within driving distance of Kelowna. 1. Big White Ski Resort Just an hour outside of the city is a winter wonderland the…
Out-Of-Province Antique Car Inspections: Frequently Asked Questions
December 1, 2020
When importing a classic or antique car from outside the province, there are certain steps you need to go through to get it registered and plated in British Columbia. Here’s what you need to know about out-of-province inspections for antique cars in B.C. Do I need an out-of-province inspection for my antique car?…
5 Telltale Signs Your Car Suspension Needs To Be Repaired
November 23, 2020
Your car’s suspension is the system that connects the vehicle chassis to the wheels. Made up of a number of interconnected parts, including shock absorbers, struts, stabilizer bar links, axles and springs, it allows your car to absorb bumps on the road and to accelerate and brake smoothly. It also helps to keep your tires…
5 Most Common Power Steering Problems Explained
October 27, 2020
Most people don’t think about the power steering in their car until it starts to break down. If your steering wheel is hard to turn, makes loud noises or feels jerky, it’s likely caused by one of the following power steering problems. 1. Low power steering fluid Your power steering system uses a special fluid…
Do I Need to Change My Filter Every Time I Get An Oil Change?
September 24, 2020
It’s standard procedure to get your oil filter replaced whenever you bring your car in for an oil change. In fact, at many automotive centres, a filter replacement is built into the price of your oil change. But is it truly necessary to swap out your oil filter this often? Here’s what you need to…