Car Care Tips Blog

Did you know that the primary purpose of the radiator is to keep the engine from overheating? You may wonder just how does it do this? Simply stated, the engine produces heat while it is running. The coolant from the radiator circulates through the engine, absorbing this heat, then passing it back through the radiator where it is cooled off again by the coolant. This cooled-off coolant then re-circulates back through the engine, starting the cycle over again. Because the radiator plays a major role in the cooling system, it is important that it is inspected and serviced fairly frequently so that it remains in good working condition.

How often do car radiators need to be replaced, you wonder? Most radiators will last for the life of your vehicle. At the least, a properly maintained radiator should last up to eight to 10 years. However, there are some circumstances where you may need to replace the radiator sooner than that to keep your car running safely. If parts of the cooling system are damaged and not repaired, the radiator itself may become damaged. Here are a few examples:

There are many days of winter weather ahead so it’s important that your vehicle is up to the challenge of hazardous driving conditions. It’s important to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance any time of year, but it’s especially important in winter. You may be wondering just what car maintenance needs to be done?

It’s fairly common for vehicle owners to add about 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year to their vehicle. This is considered normal wear and tear on all the parts and various operating systems. Most auto technicians recommend a full inspection about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. At that time, the technician can evaluate the operating systems and their components for general wear and tear, plus any extraordinary wear that could be occurring.

Take a minute to read the service manual for your vehicle. It lists the recommended service schedule, including:

Are you finding that you have been visiting your auto shop more frequently than usual for urgent tire repairs? You may have repaired your old tires one too many times! However, shopping for tires is often a fearful and anxious event for a lot of vehicle owners. Trying to choose between the many different brands and types of tires can be confusing and time-consuming, as well as expensive! However, please don’t buy the cheapest tire on the market. When it comes to tires, the old saying is most often true, “You get what you pay for!”

Be sure to read the specifications of each tire before making a decision. The purpose of the tire, how many miles you drive, and the condition of the roads you typically use, are all factors to consider when deciding what kind of tire to buy. Temperature changes, sun exposure, storage conditions are also factors that impact the life of your tires. Tire manufacturers publish warranty guidelines for their tires, which is to typically replace the tire every six years at least (no longer than 10 years, regardless of tread depth), as warranties expire at six years.