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.

A Quick Guide to Warning Lights on the Dashboard
November 28, 2017
If you look at your vehicle’s dash panel carefully, you will see numerous symbols. Naturally, you might not put much thought into those small indicators until one illuminates. A light on the dash is no reason to panic, but it is your vehicle’s way of telling you that it is time to act. Not only…
How Important is a Vehicle’s Air Filter?
November 22, 2017
You do not put much thought into your car’s air filter until your technician tells you on your oil change appointment that it needs replacing. While it might seem like an insignificant component of your vehicle, your air filter is critical; just as the air filter in your home’s HVAC system is essential. When you…
Does Your Brake System Need Repair?
November 15, 2017
Your car’s brakes are by far the most important safety feature it has. After all, it is the only thing you have stopping you from the world ahead of your car. Therefore, your brakes should never be ignored. Not only should you take in your car for regular maintenance, and have the brakes inspected, but…
The Best Wine Tours for Your Next Trip
November 10, 2017
There is nothing quite as relaxing as escaping to the countryside and dipping into a local winery to taste the delicious finds of the area. British Columbia is home to more than 200 wineries, and most are available for professional and self-guided tours. So, while you are waiting for auto repairs in a Minit-Tune &…
Combat Snow, Ice, and Gas Mileage with the Right Winter Tires
November 7, 2017
Have you ever noticed in the winter that your gas bill increases dramatically? That reduced efficiency of your vehicle is due to several factors working against you in the cold; from freezing rain, to snow, ice, and your tires. Luckily, you can limit how much reduced gas efficiency you experience by picking the right winter…
What Items Should You Always Carry in Your Car?
November 3, 2017
You pack up your vehicle with extra materials for road trips, but what do you leave in your vehicle for the everyday drive to and from Point A to Point B? Surprisingly, most motorists neglect stocking essential items in their vehicle, and find themselves ill-prepared when experiencing a breakdown on the side of the road,…