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.

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 Raleigh.

Working Hours

Mon 8:00AM - 5:30PM

Tue 8:00AM - 5:30PM
Wed 8:00AM - 5:30PM

Thu 8:00AM - 5:30PM
Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Sat Closed
Sun Closed

NORTH RALEIGH AUTOMOTIVE & RADIATOR > A/C SERVICES

919-834-7300 | 5312 Atlantic Springs Road Raleigh, NC 27616

Radiator Heating Services & Repair

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.

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. 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 North Raleigh Automotive & Radiator in Raleigh, 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 North Raleigh Automotive & Radiator 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.

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 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 919-834-7300 or request a quote by clicking below:

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Professional Advice

I usually look at the reviews for places that I've never used before. I found the service and the personnel here exactly as stated on the yelp reviews. Woody was right on target when he provided an on phone analysis of what my radiator problem was. He also provided a range of what the cost might be. I was especially impressed with the time in which it took for them to do it. My vehicle was in their shop by ten am and completed by 4:30 pm.

Ed T., 06/12/2017

Great Customer Service

Fantastic business. I will bring my car here for as long as I'm in this area. They are very straightforward, could have raked me over the coals and absolutely did the opposite. My car was leaking coolant and I couldn't find the leak. Brought it here, two days later get a call saying all they can find was a small leak from a clamp on the hose. They tightened it and got me back on the road that very day they called. I will recommend this place to everyone. Thanks guys!!!

Jeff H., 02/27/2018

Honest Auto Shop

I have found my mechanic. Saw that these guys had nothing but good reviews, so I called to ask if I could drop my car off after hours because I work 9-6 every day. I dropped my car off on Monday night, and on Tuesday by 10 am a mechanic had called me to ask for some more info on what was wrong with my car. Woody called back about mid-afternoon to let me know that while they believe it's the compressor, they did not feel comfortable performing such an expensive repair when they weren't 100% sure and when my car was still running mostly fine and blowing cold air. Most other places around here would've happily taken my hundreds of dollars! I appreciated the honesty so much, as that's very rare these days... especially in the auto repair industry. He took my payment for the diagnostic over the phone and said that once my compressor fails, I can use the amount I paid as a credit towards my repair. These guys are super honest and the whole process was so easy and seamless. While it kind of sucks that my car isn't fixed, it still works and I'm not out hundreds of dollars! Super appreciative and I will certainly be here for future repairs and maintenance.

Layla M., 07/20/2019

Fast and Courteous

I got a 1980 Fiat Spider 124 with radiator trouble. I call and spoke to Woody and ask me to get it there and next day was done. Kudos to Woody. Thank you !!!

Xavier G., 05/28/2020

Best Auto Shop

North Raleigh Radiator is the best! My family has been going to them for years, and I have personally taken two of my vehicles to them over the years. They are honest, reliable and kind. As a lady, it feels intimidating to find an auto shop that you can trust. I've gone to other automotive shops in the area who have tried to sell me things that my car hasn't needed, but Neal and Woody have never tried to do that (they just shake their heads at the other guys) and have been my go to for a second opinion when it comes to what repairs I actually need. They are also more accommodating than other shops, as it's been easier to find a time slot when my car needs attention. I will continue coming here for as long as they are open! You will not be let down or disappointed. They are truly the best in the area.