What Should You Do When Your Car Radiator Is Leaking?

Like most parts of your vehicle, your radiator is prone to wear and tear over time. As the main function of a car’s radiator is to cool the engine by dealing with large amounts of heat output, it is important that the system is working as it should at all times.

A radiator leaking may be due to a coolant leak, or corrosion in the hoses or hose connections. If your radiator is damaged, the issue may also affect your engine, gaskets, thermostat, and many other parts of the engine cooling system. The good news is that it is possible to identify a leaking radiator before it causes an emergency or requires extensive, costly car repairs.   

Signs Your Car Radiator is Leaking

Recognising the signs you may have a leaking car radiator is crucial to ensuring you stay safe on the roads, and can prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs in the future. Here are some of the common signs that indicate your radiator is leaking.

Temperature Gauge Rising

If your engine starts to overheat, the temperature gauge on your dash will rise towards the red zone. This signals that you should stop driving and allow your vehicle to cool down. Some vehicles do not have a gauge, but instead have a red warning light that appears to indicate when the vehicle is already overheated.

Broken Heat Or No Heat

An early sign of car coolant leak is the lack of heat in your vehicle. Your car’s heater core is contained within the cooling system, which means that a drop in coolant levels can prevent coolant from reaching the heater core.

Steam or Smoke Coming from Engine Area

Perhaps the most obvious sign of your engine coolant leaking is steam coming from the hood of your car. This can occur when the cooling system is under extreme pressure, causing the radiator to leak and a gas that looks a bit like smoke to pour from your engine area.

Puddle of Fluid Beneath the Car

Another common sign of a radiator leak is a puddle of liquid underneath your vehicle. In the situation of a radiator coolant leak, the liquid is usually bright green, though this depends on which kind of antifreeze is used.

Low Coolant Levels

If you suspect your car has a leak but you cannot see any fluid beneath your vehicle, the next place to check is your radiator’s reservoir tank. You should find two lines on the reservoir, with one showing a hot level and the other showing a cold level. There is likely a leak within the cooling system if the levels are much lower than they should be.

Sweet Smell Coming from the Engine Area

Because antifreeze has a very distinct sweet smell, if you smell something sweet coming from your car, it could be a coolant leak. If you do detect this antifreeze smell, you should take your car to be checked immediately. 

What to do if Your Car Radiator is Leaking

Because the internal components of your car’s radiator are so complex, it is recommended that once you notice an issue, you immediately stop driving and shut off your car as soon as possible. An overheated engine should only be dealt with by a skilled mechanic. Similarly, if liquid coolant has leaked beneath your car, it is important to properly clean the fluid and keep pets and children away from it, as it is a hazardous material.

If you believe your radiator is leaking, the best thing you can do is contact a qualified mechanic to organise a service for your car. Experts at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions are equipped with the diagnostic knowledge and tools needed to repair your radiator and prevent further damage. Depending on what is causing the problem, your mechanic may use a product such as radiator sealant, or may have to conduct other internal repairs and inspections.

Trust the team at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions

At Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, our qualified mechanics are experts in their field and understand the complexities of your car’s many systems. As a member of the Bosch Car Service Network, we have exclusive access to the latest diagnostic tools and leading industry knowledge. We are able to perform a full suite of services on your car’s engine, including coolant flushes and radiator maintenance. If you’re unsure about what you need, our team can undertake a complete inspection and offer you full transparency regarding the condition of your radiator, as well as any necessary radiator replacement cost.

With a dedicated team and years of experience, Hi-Mech Auto Solutions can solve any leaking radiator issues your car may have. Give us a call on (07) 7517 0121 or contact us through our online booking form to arrange a service for your car today.

What Should You Do When Your Car Radiator Is Leaking?

Like most parts of your vehicle, your radiator is prone to wear and tear over time. As the main function of a car’s radiator is to cool the engine by dealing with large amounts of heat output, it is important that the system is working as it should at all times.

A radiator leaking may be due to a coolant leak, or corrosion in the hoses or hose connections. If your radiator is damaged, the issue may also affect your engine, gaskets, thermostat, and many other parts of the engine cooling system. The good news is that it is possible to identify a leaking radiator before it causes an emergency or requires extensive, costly car repairs.   

Signs Your Car Radiator is Leaking

Recognising the signs you may have a leaking car radiator is crucial to ensuring you stay safe on the roads, and can prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs in the future. Here are some of the common signs that indicate your radiator is leaking.

Temperature Gauge Rising

If your engine starts to overheat, the temperature gauge on your dash will rise towards the red zone. This signals that you should stop driving and allow your vehicle to cool down. Some vehicles do not have a gauge, but instead have a red warning light that appears to indicate when the vehicle is already overheated.

Broken Heat Or No Heat

An early sign of car coolant leak is the lack of heat in your vehicle. Your car’s heater core is contained within the cooling system, which means that a drop in coolant levels can prevent coolant from reaching the heater core.

Steam or Smoke Coming from Engine Area

Perhaps the most obvious sign of your engine coolant leaking is steam coming from the hood of your car. This can occur when the cooling system is under extreme pressure, causing the radiator to leak and a gas that looks a bit like smoke to pour from your engine area.

Puddle of Fluid Beneath the Car

Another common sign of a radiator leak is a puddle of liquid underneath your vehicle. In the situation of a radiator coolant leak, the liquid is usually bright green, though this depends on which kind of antifreeze is used.

Low Coolant Levels

If you suspect your car has a leak but you cannot see any fluid beneath your vehicle, the next place to check is your radiator’s reservoir tank. You should find two lines on the reservoir, with one showing a hot level and the other showing a cold level. There is likely a leak within the cooling system if the levels are much lower than they should be.

Sweet Smell Coming from the Engine Area

Because antifreeze has a very distinct sweet smell, if you smell something sweet coming from your car, it could be a coolant leak. If you do detect this antifreeze smell, you should take your car to be checked immediately. 

What to do if Your Car Radiator is Leaking

Because the internal components of your car’s radiator are so complex, it is recommended that once you notice an issue, you immediately stop driving and shut off your car as soon as possible. An overheated engine should only be dealt with by a skilled mechanic. Similarly, if liquid coolant has leaked beneath your car, it is important to properly clean the fluid and keep pets and children away from it, as it is a hazardous material.

If you believe your radiator is leaking, the best thing you can do is contact a qualified mechanic to organise a service for your car. Experts at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions are equipped with the diagnostic knowledge and tools needed to repair your radiator and prevent further damage. Depending on what is causing the problem, your mechanic may use a product such as radiator sealant, or may have to conduct other internal repairs and inspections.

Trust the team at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions

At Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, our qualified mechanics are experts in their field and understand the complexities of your car’s many systems. As a member of the Bosch Car Service Network, we have exclusive access to the latest diagnostic tools and leading industry knowledge. We are able to perform a full suite of services on your car’s engine, including coolant flushes and radiator maintenance. If you’re unsure about what you need, our team can undertake a complete inspection and offer you full transparency regarding the condition of your radiator, as well as any necessary radiator replacement cost.

With a dedicated team and years of experience, Hi-Mech Auto Solutions can solve any leaking radiator issues your car may have. Give us a call on (07) 7517 0121 or contact us through our online booking form to arrange a service for your car today.

Why You Should Book a Car Air Con Regas

While many vehicle owners may be tempted to take their car’s air conditioning for granted, the truth is that your car’s cooling and climate control system can make or break your comfort levels on the road. Like other important parts of your vehicle, the air conditioner is a complex system that is prone to routine wear and tear over time. It therefore requires regular maintenance in order to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.

Even small issues with your air conditioning can cause your car to run less efficiently, which in turn uses more petrol and ultimately costs you more. For these reasons, it is beneficial to book your car in for a car air conditioning service every 1-2 years.

How Does Car Air Conditioning Work?

A poorly maintained car air conditioner can greatly reduce the comfort of your drive, particularly if you have a newer vehicle with automatic climate control. Your car’s air con also plays an important role in windscreen demisting. In cold weather, a broken air conditioner may not be able to remove fog from windows, which can impair driver visibility and become a safety hazard.

It is often most problematic when the car air conditioning isn’t working effectively resulting in higher fuel consumption. Whether the problem is due to general wear and tear, or to an individual part, it is important to repair your air conditioning as soon as possible to ensure your car runs safely and efficiently.

How Often Should You Check Your Car’s Air Conditioning?

Like any other part of your car, the air conditioner is a system that requires regular maintenance in order to function properly. Most mechanics recommend you schedule a car aircon regas every 1-2 years to keep the refrigerant in the system topped up. This is a fast, simple and affordable process.

As air conditioning is not usually included in your car’s general service appointments, you may like to use your regas as a chance to book a specialised air conditioner service. This can optimise your vehicle’s performance, and increase the lifespan of the air conditioner.

Your Local Car Air Conditioning Experts

Because an experienced auto technician will often be able to identify small problems with your car’s air conditioning before they become major issues, you should ensure your air con is regularly serviced. For your next car air conditioning repair or regas, trust the team at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions.

As part of the Bosch Car Service Network, our team is fully equipped with the latest automotive technology to ensure you’re getting the best results. Our qualified technicians are skilled in providing high quality service to units across most vehicle makes and models.

To find out more, speak to the team at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions today. Give us a call on (07) 7517 0121, or send us a message using our online booking form.

Why Logbook Servicing Is Important

If you are looking to maintain the safety and performance of your car, it is highly recommended that your logbook servicing is completed in accordance with the manufacturer’s set schedule. For new vehicles, you should get logbook servicing every 10,000 kilometres driven, or six months after your last one.

What is a Logbook Service?

A logbook service involves bringing your vehicle back to its best condition, meeting standards set by the manufacturer. A logbook service might include replacing old parts in your vehicle (like filters) with newer ones, refilling vital fluids and checking on its general roadworthiness.

Keep Your Warranty Valid

Most car dealers require regular logbook servicing to keep your car under warranty. This is generally the minimum requirement set, meaning that if you do not have a record of your logbook services, the dealership could refuse to cover repairs when something goes wrong.

Your vehicle will have a recommended servicing schedule, which you will need to stay up to date with in order to keep your warranty valid. With logbook servicing, you save potentially thousands of dollars if something goes wrong, while keeping your vehicle in top condition.

At Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, our trained mechanics can give you the full picture regarding your car’s health. Our team will get your vehicle back to the standard set by the manufacturer, and you can get back on the road with a car that is as good as new.

Know Your Vehicle’s History

It isn’t always easy to keep track of every service your car has had. Your logbook can serve as an important record of which services you have completed and when. By keeping up with the manufacturer’s suggested servicing schedule, you will have a detailed history in your logbook, which can also tell you when your next service is due.

Having this record will be helpful if your car needs repairs, as the mechanic will be able to assess your servicing history and identify any problems quickly, saving you time and money.

Increase Resale Value

If you decide to sell your car at some point, you will be sure to get more money if it has been looked after. By keeping up with your logbook services, you will have proof you can show to a prospective buyer that your car has been kept in the best-possible condition.

After each logbook service, the mechanic will give you a stamp in your auto maintenance logbook to certify that the work has been completed by a professional and that the vehicle has been restored to the manufacturer’s standards. With this stamp, your buyer can know that the car has been properly looked after, meaning you’ll be able to ask for a higher price.

Avoid Costly Repairs

When it comes to owning a car, the last thing you want is to be paying for expensive repairs after major breakdowns. Regular servicing is the simplest way to prevent needing these costly repairs, as you will keep your car in the best condition possible. Logbook servicing is about spending a little bit now so that you save a lot down the road.
For the logbook service Towoomba residents can trust, get in touch with the expert team at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions. You can reach us by calling (07) 4646 2644 or completing our online booking form today.

Car Suspension and Why It Is Important

The importance of your car’s suspension system cannot be overstated. It is one of the most essential elements of your vehicle that keeps you safe when driving, maintaining friction between your tyres and the road. When your suspension is working as it should, you maintain better control over your car.

When you notice that your car suspension isn’t working properly, it is important to get it serviced or repaired as soon as possible. If left to deteriorate, you could be putting you and your loved ones at risk on the road. Given that the suspension impacts your steering and handling, taking care of it is an easy decision.

Do I Need Auto Suspension Repairs?

Car suspensions will generally last a long time without needing major repairs. However, your suspension system can also be easily damaged, particularly if you encounter a lot of potholes, drive off-road in a vehicle not designed for it, or hit something such as a rock or the curb. If your suspension becomes damaged, you should get repairs as quickly as you can.

Many people wonder how they will even know that their suspension needs servicing or repairs. Thankfully, there are a few common signs pointing to poor suspension. When driving over bumps in the road, you may hear some unexpected noises if your suspension needs fixing. If your car is handling poorly or struggling with inclines, regardless of the size, it may be due to poor suspension. Finally, should your vehicle begin vibrating while you drive, it may be time to visit the professionals for suspension repairs.

We highly recommend that you avoid driving if your suspension becomes damaged. With poor handling, you increase the risk of being in an accident. Keep yourself and your loved ones out of harm’s way and avoid costly repairs after an accident by letting the professionals at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions take care of your auto suspension servicing.

What Does Car Suspension Servicing Involve?

When you get a suspension service at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, we take a close look at the individual parts that make up your suspension system. This includes shock absorbers and struts, which reduce the impact of bumps while driving and give you control over the vehicle.

If any of these parts need replacing, we will be able to change them to get your suspension back to its best condition. We only use Bosch-approved, quality parts in all our repairs and replacements. It is worth noting that if any of the shocks need replacing, we recommend changing them all so that your car handles evenly.

Let Us Handle Your Auto Suspension Repairs

The Hi-Mech Auto Solutions partnership with the Bosch Car Service Network gives our customers assurance that all repairs will be completed to the highest standard, with our mechanics professionally trained so that we meet the requirements of all Bosch workshops.

With all the tools and knowledge needed to complete your next suspension service or repairs, the Hi-Mech Auto Solutions team is ready to help. After your car suspension service, your vehicle will handle as smoothly as ever before.
When it is time for the professionals at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions to take a look at your car’s suspension, give our friendly team a call on (07) 4646 2644. Alternatively, you can complete our simple booking form online, and we will be in touch soon.