Cooling System Repair in Missoula, MT
Your cooling system keeps the engine at the temperature it was designed to run at. When it can't, overheating can turn a radiator or hose repair into an engine repair very quickly.
Most cooling problems start small, with a slow leak, a weak cap, or a hose going soft. We find the cause, show you what is failing, and fix that, instead of topping off the coolant and hoping.
Signs of a cooling system problem
- The temperature gauge running higher than normal, or climbing on hills and in traffic.
- Steam from under the hood.
- A sweet smell, or green, orange, or pink fluid under the vehicle.
- Needing to add coolant regularly.
- The heater blowing cold air once the engine is warm.
- A low coolant warning light.
- White exhaust smoke that smells sweet.
What we check
We pressure test the cooling system to find leaks, including ones that only show up when the system is hot and under pressure. We also test the radiator cap, because a weak cap lowers the boiling point of the coolant.
We check the radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fans, and look at the condition of the coolant. Old coolant loses its corrosion protection, and contaminated coolant can point to a bigger problem.
If there is any sign of a head gasket problem, like coolant loss with no visible leak or bubbles in the coolant, we test for combustion gases in the cooling system before drawing any conclusions.
Then we show you what we found and what needs fixing, starting with whatever caused the problem in the first place.
What can wait and what can't
Don't put these off
- Overheating, or a gauge in the red. Pull over and shut the engine off.
- A leak that's losing coolant quickly
- Steam from under the hood
- Coolant in the oil
Often fine to wait
- A small seep that loses very little between checks, as long as you watch the level
- Coolant that is due for a change but still protecting
- A hose that is aging but still firm and not leaking
If we say something can wait, we'll show you how to keep an eye on the coolant level until you're ready.
Cooling systems in Montana
Cooling systems here deal with both ends of the thermometer. Summer heat, long climbs, and towing push engine temperatures up, while winter puts the coolant's freeze protection to the test. Coolant mixed at the right strength handles both.
Coolant types aren't all interchangeable, and mixing them can cause problems. We use the type your vehicle calls for. We work on all makes and models, foreign and domestic.
Cooling System Repair questions
Is it safe to drive an overheating car?
No. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it's safe. Driving while overheating can warp the cylinder head or damage the head gasket, which is a much bigger repair. Let it cool before opening anything, because the system is under pressure.
Why am I losing coolant when I can't see a leak?
Some leaks only happen when the engine is hot and the system is under pressure, and coolant can evaporate off hot parts before it drips. An internal leak, like a head gasket, can also burn coolant. A pressure test helps us find it.
How often should coolant be changed?
It depends on the coolant type and your manufacturer's schedule. Many modern coolants last a long time, but they do wear out. We can test yours and tell you whether it's due.
Can I just add water?
In an emergency, water can get you to a shop. Long term, you need the correct coolant mix for freeze protection, boiling protection, and corrosion protection, especially through a Montana winter.
We show you before we fix it
Before any work starts, we walk you into the shop and show you what we found. If something can wait, we'll tell you.