Radiator Repair in Visalia CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
We are Visalia Radiator Service, a family owned and operated small business since 1980. We are Central Valley’s leading radiator specialists, and offer repair, maintenance, and service for all your radiator needs. Our Radiator Repair in Visalia CA is well-known and has many loyal customers.
What does a radiator do?
The radiator is the mechanism that keeps the engine cool. The radiator is designed to pull heat away from the engine and prevent it from overheating. It also circulates coolant throughout the engine and absorbs heat.Without it, the engine can overheat, and that is a very costly repair.
How long does a radiator last?
A radiator can last anywhere between 8 to 10 years. A lot of this can also depend on the maintenance of the radiator and the car and usage of the vehicle. At Radiator Repair in Visalia CA, we will be able to check out your vehicle and let you know if any repairs or services are needed.
How do I know if my radiator needs repair or replacement?
You need radiator repair or replacement if you have any of the following issues- if your engine frequently overheats and steams up from under the hood, that indicates that the radiator is not functioning properly.
Another issue is if you notice coolant leaking under your vehicle, which means one of the hoses is leaking. If the coolant is leaking, another warning sign related to that would be that no matter how often you fill the coolant reservoir, it doesn’t show as full. If the coolant reservoir is empty because of a leak, then that problem can get worse if you don’t know what’s going on. If your coolant gets really low, it can cause the engine to overheat.
Another common radiator problem is if there is rust, corrosion, or discoloration on the radiator, that is an indication of a problem. It could possibly mean that there is moisture and air exposure. It could also mean that there is a coolant leak. It could be environmental exposure or even old and contaminated coolant.
Other signs include seeing thick, sludgy coolant; that means that the radiator fins are bent or damaged. This could be caused from mixing incompatible coolants, or maybe an old coolant hasn’t been changed in a while. Sometimes rust, corrosion and even engine oil contaminate the coolant.
Lastly, if the check engine light or temperature warning light is on, that is another way that you could determine what’s wrong. If you are noticing any of these signs, it is a good time to check out your radiator and get it serviced.
What should I do if my engine overheats?
If you notice steam coming from under your hood or your check engine light comes on, we recommend that you pull over as soon as you can to assess the situation. We do not recommend that you continue driving as this could further damage the engine of the vehicle. At that point, we recommend that you wait fifteen to thirty minutes to let the engine cool. If you do not let the engine cool, it could cause third-degree burns on your arms, hands, and face when you open the hood of your car. Usually if your engine overheats, we recommend that you get a tow instead of trying to drive it further. Put your own safety first At Radiator Repair in Visalia CA; we are here if and when those situations arise.
Can I continue to drive with a bad radiator?
We recommend that you do not continue to drive when you have a radiator problem because it could cause engine damage. It is best to get it in to be serviced as soon as possible. The reason for this is because if you continue to drive with a bad radiator, it could further damage your engine. If your engine gets damaged in the process, that could be a major and costly repair. Remember, a new engine is 10 to 15 times more expensive than a new radiator. Make the smart choice and invest in your radiator first before you need to repair your engine!
Do you offer free estimates at Radiator Repair in Visalia CA?
Yes! We will give you a free estimate before starting any repair or service. You will always know exactly what to expect and what price point we estimate before we start servicing your radiator or cooling system. We always want to be honest and upfront with you about pricing, right from the start.
Do you offer same-day service?
Yes! We will do everything that we can in order to get you back up and going. We keep a large size inventory just for this reason- to get you back up and running as soon as possible.
What brands do you work on?
At Radiator Repair in Visalia CA, we are able to work on brands such as Caterpillar, John Deere, Freightliner, and more. We also work on many other types of automotive, commercial, and industrial radiators. We have become Central Valley’s leading radiator specialist; we are skilled at a variety of types of radiators in order to serve you and our community well.
What surface types do you work on?
We can work on many types of surfaces of radiators, from brass to copper, plastic to aluminum. We are always expanding our service repertoire to include as much as we can in order to serve our community well.
Do you repair industrial radiators?
Yes! We are able to work on industrial radiators such as generators, construction equipment, agriculture equipment, and more. These types of vehicles and radiators are heavy duty in comparison to automotive radiators. We are able to work on brands such as Caterpillar, John Deere, and Freightliner.
Do you repair commercial radiators?
Yes! We are able to work on trucks, caterpillars, heavy machinery, bulldozers, generators, and tractors as well as heat exchangers, after coolers, charge air coolers, industrial equipment, fuel tanks, transmission oil coolers, and hydraulic oil coolers. Here at Radiator Repair in Visalia CA, we do it all!