A Comprehensive Assessment of Your Heating and Cooling System Comprises of:
- Examination of internal controls and blower
- Inspection of radiator coolant temperature, hoses, radiator cap pressure, and thermostat
- Evaluation of the compressor belt
- Thorough inspection of the system and seals for leaks or damage
- Conducting a cooling system pressure test
- Verification that A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications
- Measurement of 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.
It's important to entrust this kind of task to seasoned professionals. Our mechanics can conduct a thorough inspection of your car's belts, replace any worn ones, and ensure the installed belts are properly adjusted for optimum performance.
Coolant System Flush
A car's coolant system transfers excess heat from one part of the engine and dissipates it through the radiator fins. As time goes on, the coolant can become old and contaminated, negatively impacting the system's performance. To maintain optimal system function, consider regular coolant system flushes as part of your vehicle's cooling system maintenance.
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. To maintain its effectiveness, the radiator must remain clean at all times. 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.
Radiators consist of a set of tubes through which engine coolant flows, surrounded by fins. When a radiator fails, the excess heat produced by the engine could potentially damage vital engine components. To prevent such issues, it's crucial to have your radiator regularly serviced. For expert radiator maintenance, visit Crabapple Automotive today.
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 Crabapple Automotive in Alpharetta, 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
- With these services, your car will be fully prepared to handle hot weather, allowing you to enjoy your summer to the fullest
Winterize Your Vehicle
Winter weather can be harsh on both you and your vehicle. You can trust the skilled technicians at Crabapple Automotive 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.
Coolant FAQs
What is causing my coolant light to come on?
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.
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.
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.
Radiator FAQs
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.
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 causing my engine to overheat?
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 Alpharetta.
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.To learn more about our Heating and Cooling services, call us at 770-696-1486 or request a quote by clicking below:
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what our customers say
I used to live in this area and when I returned to buy a car I was happy to see this shop was still around. They did a pre-sale inspection for me, and were able to work me into their busy day. The cost was $139, and would include up to 3 cars to be inspected. To compare, the Toyota dealer was $160 per car and it's only a visual inspection. This was a great relief to know I could look at multiple cars without paying for each one. They did a thorough inspection and talked me through the whole thing. I was super impressed with their knowledge and dedication to doing a good job. I would trust them with other needs for my vehicle.
Do you remember when mechanics were the good guys? Truly loyal to their craft of automotive wizardry? When was the last time a "service writer" smiled (without deviously licking their chops), and made sustained eye contact with you when entering the facility? In movies they are helpful, honest, and dependable. Although in real life most interactions with the auto repair industry leave one with a sense of wonder, doubt, and the ever present, possible easy deception.... Have you ever encountered a mechanic or shop that told you what you need to do, what you should do and what you should save for? I know it's an easy concept, just think about it for a second..... Automotive enthusiasts aka repair technicians/mechanics know that your vehicle is an investment, not just a transportation device. In transportation safety is always paramount, so why not trust in people who see every vehicle as an extension of the customer (it is your baby after all) and treat it more like a doctor would a patient? With doctors, you make an appointment you walk in, they ask questions, and charge you $150 dollars. Then send you off to the next place for some testing, but you trust them because they have a large building, spotless uniforms and clean floors (dealerships). Why not take your baby/ investment to an automotive Dr. and shamen, who has the equivalent education of an 3 automotive PHD's (owner/ lead tech has ~40 years of successful businesses)! Long story short... I, myself am a mechanic and frequently take my children/ cars to his shop for all repairs. There is no greater remark possible in the auto repair industry than a referral!!! I guess this is mine. Thanks Grey! And remember, diagnostic fees are expected in all industries! You are paying for Dr's visit after all!
