coolant – Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

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Coolant Leaks: Why Do They Happen and What Should I Do?

Coolant leaks might not seem like a big deal, but they could create a hazardous situation for your car’s engine. The coolant keeps your engine running smoothly by regulating its temperature, and without the proper amount of it, your engine could overheat. Think of it as your car’s lifeline to staying cool under pressure. Coolant leaks, however, can throw a wrench into that smooth operation. Let’s dive into why coolant leaks happen and what you should do about them.

Why Do Coolant Leaks Happen?

1. There’s a Hole in the Radiator: One of the most straightforward reasons for a coolant leak is a hole in the radiator. All your car engine parts including the radiator must endure extreme temperatures and it takes a toll in different ways. The sealing gasket connecting the tank to the radiator is also susceptible to wearing out, potentially resulting in a leakage issue.

Related: Learn more about the reasons behind car engine failure here.

2. High Pressure: The cooling system in your car operates under high pressure to ensure efficient heat transfer. However, this high pressure can sometimes lead to leaks if there’s a weak spot in the system, such as a worn-out hose or a cracked component.

3. Your Water Pump Has Failed: The water pump plays a crucial role in circulating coolant through the engine. It is usually driven by a belt and is located on the lower part of the engine, near the drive belts. If the water pump fails, the coolant won’t flow properly, leading to overheating and potential leaks.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Coolant Leak?

1. Check the Puddle: The color of the puddle can give you clues. Coolant is typically green, orange, pink, or blue. If you see a puddle of one of these colors, it’s likely the coolant.

2. Inspect Under the Hood: Look for wet spots or stains around the hoses, the radiator, and the water pump. These are common areas for coolant leaks.

3. Monitor Your Temperature Gauge: If your engine starts running hotter than usual, it could be a sign of low coolant due to a leak.

4. Top Up If Needed: If you confirm a coolant leak and it’s safe to do so, top up your coolant reservoir with the recommended type of coolant for your vehicle.

5. Get Professional Help: While DIY fixes like adding stop-leak products exist, they’re often temporary solutions. It’s best to have a professional mechanic inspect and repair the leak properly.

Related: learn more about car repairs you should avoid DIYing here.

Turn To Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

If you’re noticing signs of leaking coolant, it’s best to get your car to the professionals at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. Coolant leaks happen for various reasons, and we have the expertise to get your car’s engine cool again. Contact us at (817) 834-2725 or visit our website at mikesautospa.com to schedule an appointment.

The Important Fluids in Your Car

July 21, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Your vehicle is a complex assembly of mechanical parts and machinery operating simultaneously. These internal workings are supported by various types of fluids that keep it running smoothly. Without them, your vehicle’s systems will quickly fail and break down. In this month’s blog, we will identify important fluids that keep your vehicle lubricated and when to check and change them.

Purpose of the Fluids

Your vehicle has a variety of different types of fluids that keeps it running properly. Here is a list of fluids that you always keep in mind and occasionally check their levels:

Engine oil – Lubricates and cools the internal workings of your engine.
Coolant – Also known as anti-freeze, the coolant is crucial for regulating engine heat and provides climate control.
Power steering fluid – Lubricates your car’s power steering system and provides a smooth operation.
Brake fluid – Lubricates your brake valves, pistons, antilock braking system. It provides hydraulic pressure to power the braking system.
Transmission fluid – Lubricates and cools your transmission’s internal workings, such as the gears, valves, pumps, etc.
Windshield wiper fluid – A non-freezing cleaning solution to spray and clean your windshield.

Keep Your Fluids at Optimal Levels

It’s extremely important to not let your fluids reach low levels, which is why taking your car in for scheduled general maintenance services is essential. When these fluids reach low levels, you will begin to experience various issues that will negatively affect the performance of your vehicle. For example, neglecting your coolant levels will cause your engine to overheat in the summer and freeze in the winter. This will also lead to reduced cooling efficiency due to corrosion. Another safety issue example is having low brake fluid levels, which can lead to poor stopping performance and jeopardize both you and others on the road.

How Often Should I Check Them?

In general, you should try to schedule an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every six months and check all the other fluids at the same time. You can also check your owner’s manual for specification since this can vary depending on what type of vehicle you own.

If you prefer to check your fluid levels at home, always make sure your vehicle is parked at ground level and the engine is cold. This is especially important if you plan on checking your coolant, because a hot engine puts it under pressure and can cause it to spray and burn you when you open the cap. Try to check your coolant twice a year to ensure your engine is properly regulating heat. On the other hand, your transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running to ensure accuracy and should be changed every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The brake fluid should be checked with every oil change and replaced about every two years. The power steering fluid only needs to be topped off when needed. Lastly, your windshield wiper fluid is not as important as the rest but if you use it often, always remember to top it off every few months or as needed.

Conclusion

Your vehicle’s fluids are its life line. Making sure the fluids are at optimal levels will increase your vehicle’s longevity and functionality. When you’re in need of a general maintenance and fluid checkup, rely on the professional services of Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop! Our technicians are ASE certified and are experienced with all vehicle makes and models. Learn more about our services by visiting our website or schedule an appointment with us at (817) 834-2725.

How to Identify Fluids in Your Car

July 27, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments

At one point or another, you are going to find liquid underneath your car. However, do you know how to identify the liquid and where it’s coming from? You can investigate the situation by taking a closer look at the color. Identifying the color will help you understand which system is losing fluid, giving you the chance to plan accordingly. It’s not an emergency if its clear water, but other colors may indicate something more serious. Learn how to identify the fluids in your car by reading our blog!

Brown/Black Fluid

When you notice black or brown fluid, it’s most likely engine oil. It will be slick to the touch and hard to wipe off. Cars.com also comments, “oil can leak from gaskets and seals on the front or rear of an engine, from valve covers or from the oil pan underneath, so there are several possible sources of an oil leak.” If you have identified where it’s coming from, you can refill the oil and take it to your nearest auto shop for a diagnosis or repair.

Red Fluid

Transmission fluid can be identified by its reddish color and odorless scent. You can further investigate by looking near the front or middle of the car for the leak. If the transmission fluid is low, fill as needed. Gold Eagle urges to “keep in mind that driving your car without enough of transmission fluid can keep the gears from shifting smoothly and might even damage the transmission, so it’s important to ensure you have enough.”

Yellow Fluid

Yellow, green, and pink are just some of the colors of engine coolant. Besides the rainbow of colors, another indicator of this fluid is its slimy texture and sweet smell. Some of the places you might find your coolant leaking includes the radiator, coolants hoses, and overflow tank. Your mechanic can confirm if the fluid is coolant and repair any parts if needed.

Conclusion

If you have further questions about your fluid leak, contact the team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We are here to provide you with expert automotive services so you can drive safely on the road. Get your vehicle serviced by calling 817-834-2725 today!

Coolant System Parts You Should Check Regularly

April 30, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments

Are you constantly having issues with your car’s engine? One of the top reasons why your engine may be failing is because of the coolant system. This part of your vehicle works hard to prevent the engine from freezing or overheating. However, your coolant system may need a full inspection to ensure each part is working properly. To keep your engine in good shape, continue reading to find out which coolant parts need to be checked.

Heater and Radiator Hoses

In order for the coolant to move throughout the system, hoses are used to direct where the coolant needs to go. You can check on these hoses when the engine is cool. Some things to look for is cracking, fraying, or swelling. Also, make sure that the hoses are secured correctly. Any loose-fitting parts can have a major effect on the entire system.

Heater Core

The heater core allows for the cabin air to warm up when you have your engine running. It also helps the coolant lose heat before returning to the radiator to be cooled down. AutoZone suggests to “inspect for signs of leakage indicated by fluid around the heater core or wet spots on your carpet. Constant presence of fog on the inside of your windshield can also mean that your heater core needs replacing.”

Radiator Fluid

Your coolant reservoir needs to be filled with an even mixture of antifreeze and water to get the right amount of cool air. You can check to see if the radiator fluid needs a refill if it doesn’t reach the “full” line. To prevent damage to your coolant system, fill with antifreeze as needed. If you’re unsure about the fluid ratio, contact your local auto mechanic.