Overheating, coolant leaks or a temperature gauge that won't sit still. We find where the problem starts and fix it, because an overheated engine can do serious damage.
Cooling system repair covers the parts that keep your engine at the right temperature: the radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, radiator cap, cooling fans and the coolant itself. Coolant circulates through the engine, picks up heat and gives it off at the radiator. The same coolant runs through the heater core, which is where your cabin heat comes from. If one part fails, the engine can start running hot.
Leaks are the most common problem. Hoses get hard and crack with age, clamps loosen, water pumps start to seep, and radiators can corrode or crack. Thermostats can stick closed and cause overheating, or stick open so the engine never fully warms up and the heater blows lukewarm. Cooling fans and their controls can fail too, which often shows up as overheating in traffic or at idle.
Montana's temperature swings are hard on this system. Going from below freezing to full operating temperature and back, day after day, stresses radiator hoses, seals and the thermostat. Add long grades and towing in the summer and the cooling system is working hard. That kind of stress is what leads to leaks, poor coolant circulation and overheating.
Don't ignore a temperature gauge that's climbing. Running an engine hot can warp the cylinder head or damage the head gasket, and that turns a hose or thermostat job into a much bigger repair. If the gauge heads toward hot, turn off the A/C, turn the heater on full to pull some heat away from the engine, and pull over when it's safe. Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine. The system is under pressure and the coolant can scald you.
To find a leak, we look at the whole system, not just the spot where coolant is dripping. Some leaks only show up when the system is hot and under pressure, so pressure testing is often part of the diagnosis. We also check the coolant's condition and type, since worn-out coolant doesn't protect against corrosion as well, and the wrong type can cause problems of its own.
Once we know what failed and why, we explain it, give you the cost and let you know if anything else in the system looks close behind. You decide what gets done.
A gauge that climbs above normal, especially on hills or in traffic, points to low coolant, a stuck thermostat, a failing fan or a circulation problem.
Brightly colored fluid with a sweet smell under the front of the vehicle is usually a coolant leak from a hose, the radiator or the water pump.
Pull over and shut it off. Steam usually means coolant is boiling over or spraying from a leak. Let it cool before you open anything.
If you're topping it off regularly with no puddle in sight, the leak may only happen when the engine is hot, or coolant may be leaking inside the engine. Either way it needs a proper diagnosis.
Low coolant, a thermostat stuck open or a clogged heater core can all leave you without heat in winter.
A sweet smell or a greasy film on the inside of the windshield can mean the heater core is leaking.
My daughter just had work done on some oil leaks and a coolant leak on her 2003 Civic. Great people, fair pricing and got it done quickly. Highly recommend.
Jay S. · Google
This shop, John, has a customer for life. My Cadillacs thermostat went out. I know this seems like a simple job, but it's a Cadillac...Read full reviewShow less
This shop, John, has a customer for life. My Cadillacs thermostat went out. I know this seems like a simple job, but it's a Cadillac. John and his people were kind, knowledgeable, confident and thorough. I haven't needed a mechanic in a long time so I did some searching and I am so grateful for finding this shop. The shop is clean and organized, the lot is a locked and protected. I had no worries for my car or the service. Great experience overall.
Robert B. · Google
This place is amazing especially if you get one of life's infamous car curveballs. They helped me out and were far cheaper than any shop. Did a radiator flush and an oil change...Read full reviewShow less
This place is amazing especially if you get one of life's infamous car curveballs. They helped me out and were far cheaper than any shop. Did a radiator flush and an oil change. Will recommend to everyone I know. Would give more stars too if I could :D
Angel S. · Google
Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM
Sat to Sun closed
2603 Industry Street, STE D1Missoula, MT 59808
Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM
Sat to Sun closed
Something else on your mind? Call the shop.
Pick the service and a day that works. We'll call to confirm a time. In a hurry? Call the shop.
