Help for Hot Cars

Cooling System Repair Close By

The certified technicians at Johnson’s Tire & Auto in Smithfield, North Carolina, provide help for hot cars. Count on us to repair your cooling system. Accepting all makes and models, we’re here to provide high-quality mechanical work and great customer service. We understand your dependence on your transportation, so we will get you back on the road as soon as possible. In the meantime, we make your auto repair experience as seamless as possible. We’re mindful of your budget, offering discounts in our Specials section and financing through Synchrony and Pay360. Enjoy our comfortable customer area if you’re waiting here for a quick repair. You’ll find a complimentary self-service coffee station, TV, magazines, and Wi-Fi. We’re close by at 267 NC-210, Smithfield, NC 27577, and we’re here to assist you Monday-Friday: 7:30am-5:30pm. Making an appointment is easy, too. Simply use our online scheduling feature or give us a call at (919) 934-2662.  

Know Your Cooling System 

Most motorists know their vehicle has a cooling system to prevent overheating. However, having basic working knowledge is useful for better recognizing and understanding relevant problems. The engine generates a tremendous amount of heat through combustion and friction. The cooling system’s job is to help your automobile maintain a safe operating temperature. The radiator uses a network of tubes with fins. The tubes transport coolant while the fin design allows maximum exposure to air, facilitating heat dissipation. To create a sealed system so that fluid doesn’t boil away, the radiator has a radiator cap that maintains pressure. A fan accelerates air flow across the radiator to ensure maximum cooling. The water pump circulates coolant around the cooling system and through the engine. The coolant itself is a mixture of water and antifreeze. Your car has a thermostat that adjusts coolant flow to keep the engine at its best operating temperature. Hoses are used to move the coolant between the cooling system components. Other important parts of the system include a reservoir that holds extra coolant, freeze plugs that can accommodate freezing coolant to protect the engine block, and a heater core that uses heated engine fluid to provide passengers with warmth.  

What Happens When Your Car Overheats 

If your engine overheats, you’ll likely see that a dashboard light warning of high temperature has illuminated and that the temperature gauge reads higher than normal. You may also see steam rising from the hood area. Many drivers can detect the distinctive sweet smell of antifreeze when coolant is escaping. It’s critical that you stop driving immediately if your car overheats. Continuing to operate an overheated engine quickly leads to massive damage that’s expensive to repair. Specific problems include a blown head gasket, warped cylinder heads, damaged pistons, and a cracked engine block. Your engine can become so hot that it seizes and is no longer functioning. Before this happens, park your car and let Johnson’s Tire & Auto help you with cooling system repair. We’ve assisted drivers like you since 2006, earning a solid reputation for quality auto care.