How do I know what coolant I should use?

Your car's owner's manual provides a wealth of information. Follow the recommendations in your car's owner's manual to the letter unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer or auto repair professionals. It will tell you what type of coolant is best to use in your vehicle. If you don't have a copy of your owner's manual, you can most likely find the information you need on the manufacturer's website.

When should the radiator in my car be replaced?

Often, radiators will last for the entire life of a car. On average a radiator lasts 8 to 10 years. However, there are a few factors that can reduce a radiator's working life such as improper maintenance, driving habits and environmental conditions.

Radiator Heating Services & Repair

MICKEY'S CAR E.R. > Top Level Auto Repair & Maintenance Services > HEATING AND COOLING SERVICES

Is your vehicle's air conditioning or heating system not keeping up with the weather? Don't let the temperature in your vehicle make you miserable. Come visit Mickey's Car E.R. in Towson and Cockeysville and we'll get you comfortable again.

Even if your heat or A/C is working at reduced efficiency, it's still worth a visit to Mickey's Car E.R.. That's because heating and A/C systems may break eventually with usage, and hose pipes may clog and drip if not serviced. Let us examine your vehicle and keep your systems working at top performance. Call us at 443-652-3678 to learn more about how we can get your air conditioning or heating up and running again!

Indications your A/C system may be having issues:

If your air conditioning blows only slightly cooler air compared to the exterior air
Air that blows in smells damp, musty, or like mildew and mold
Your cabin does not warm up in cold weather, or is just a little warmer than outside
The defroster takes longer than typical to operate, or does not operate
Your heater or A/C only functions when driving, not when idling, or quits blowing when the car is stationary
Your heating system blows cold air, or the air conditioning blows warm air
Low airflow even at the highest fan setting

A comprehensive evaluation of heating and A/C system includes:

Examining the internal controls and blower
Checking radiator coolant operating temperature, hoses, pressure radiator cap and thermostat
Inspecting the compressor belt
Inspecting system and seals for leaks or various other damages
A cooling system pressure test
Verifying the A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications
Measuring the interior vent air temperature

Our repair and maintenance services include:

Belts
The fan belt, also referred to as a drive belt, connects your vehicle's engine to its front-mounted accessories. This belt is responsible for rotating the water pump and engine fan, ensuring a cool engine environment. Unfortunately, over time, your vehicle's fan belts can dry out and develop cracks, requiring a replacement.

Coolant System Flush
A car's coolant system transfers excess heat from one part of the engine and finally loses it through the radiator fins. With time, the coolant becomes old and dirty. The old coolant will negatively impact the system's performance. To make sure the system is working effectively, consider having a regular coolant system flush. A coolant flush is basic maintenance for your car's cooling system. Call 443-652-3678 or visit Mickey's Car E.R. in Towson and Cockeysville for all your coolant system flush and fill needs.

Hoses
Hoses have the crucial role of transferring coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system, including the radiator. With time, these hoses can dry out and develop cracks, leading to leaks. When it's time for replacement, you can rely on our team of experts for your vehicle repair needs.

Radiator Flush
Your vehicle's radiator is responsible for keeping the engine cool and safeguarding it from excessive heat. Sludge, rust, and other solid deposits can accumulate inside the radiator, leading to clogs and reduced system efficiency. This, in turn, can negatively affect your vehicle's performance. Incorporating regular radiator flushes into your routine car maintenance schedule is essential.

Radiators
Radiators serve as heat exchangers, cooling your car's internal combustion engine. They accomplish this by circulating engine coolant through the engine block and then releasing the heat into the atmosphere through radiation.

Summerize Your Vehicle
Getting your car ready for the challenges of summer, including heat, dust, and traffic congestion, can significantly reduce the risk of breakdowns. At Mickey's Car E.R. in Towson and Cockeysville, our technicians are equipped to perform essential preventive maintenance to ensure your car is summer-ready. Here are some recommended services:

Battery check
Fluid replacement
Examination of belts and hoses
Inspection of climate and coolant systems
Evaluation of wiper blades
Tire inspection
Assessment of headlights, turn signals, and tail lights

Winterize Your Vehicle
Winter weather can be harsh on both you and your vehicle. You can trust the skilled technicians at Mickey's Car E.R. to prepare your car for the challenges of winter. Here are some recommended services:

Check the battery
Check the tires
Check wiper blades
Check fluids
Check headlights, turn signals, and tail lights
Check the exhaust system for leaks
Check the belts and hoses
Check the heating system

With these services, your car will be ready to tackle winter weather, ensuring your driving experience remains safe and comfortable.

To learn more about our Heating and Cooling services, call us at 443-652-3678 or request a quote by clicking below:

Request Quote

Our Repair and Maintenance Services Include:

Battery check
Fluid replacement
Examination of belts and hoses
Inspection of climate and coolant systems
Evaluation of wiper blades
Tire inspection
Assessment of headlights, turn signals, and tail lights

Check the battery
Check the tires
Check wiper blades
Check fluids
Check headlights, turn signals, and tail lights
Check the exhaust system for leaks
Check the belts and hoses
Check the heating system

With these services, your car will be ready to tackle winter weather, ensuring your driving experience remains safe and comfortable.

Coolant FAQs

When should I do a coolant flush?

Your vehicle's owner's manual will recommend getting the coolant flushed about every 30,000 miles or three to five years, whichever comes first. Make sure to consult your owner's manual as some outline a more specific interval depending on the vehicle's make and model and your driving habits.

Why is my coolant leaking?

Corrosion within the radiator is the leading cause of a coolant leak. As the radiator tubes get older and weaker, sediment or debris collects inside and causes a leak. The sealing gasket between the tank and the radiator can also wear out, and lead to a leak.

Why is my coolant light on and what should I do?

If the dashboard light is red, indicating your car is overheating then you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. If the coolant level is low or there is another problem with your cooling system, you could cause serious damage by continuing to drive.

Radiator FAQs

What does radiator service include?

Radiator service starts with draining the system. Then we flush the radiator and engine block, inspecting all hoses to make sure they're not cracked. Next we refill the radiator with fresh coolant and finish by pressure testing the radiator cap and cooling system.

What is the average lifespan of a radiator?

While radiators usually last 8-10 years, some factors can shorten their lifespan. Watch for signs of deterioration to know when replacement is needed.

Why is my car engine overheating?

The most common reason a car overheats is a lack of coolant or a coolant leak. However, if you have an older vehicle, it may also indicate that it is time to replace your radiator, thermostat, water pump or heater core. If it continues to be a problem that you can't fix, your best bet is to bring it to our shop in Towson and Cockeysville.

To learn more about our Heating and Cooling services, call us at 443-652-3678 or request a quote by clicking below:

Request Quote