Cooling system
Cooling system, water pump and antifreeze
Overheating is one of the few faults that can wreck an engine in minutes. If your temperature gauge is climbing, you can smell hot coolant, or you’re topping up the header tank, get it looked at before it becomes a big bill. Antifreeze changes from £60, excl. VAT.
What we do
Water pumps
Replacement when they leak or the bearing fails. On belt-driven pumps we’ll usually do it with the cambelt.
Thermostats
A stuck thermostat causes overheating or an engine that never warms up, and poor economy.
Radiators & hoses
Leaking radiators, split hoses, failed expansion tanks and radiator caps.
Antifreeze / coolant change
Fresh coolant restores corrosion and frost protection. £60, excl. VAT.
Pressure testing
We pressure-test the system to pinpoint a leak you can’t see.
Cooling fans
Electric fan and sensor faults that cause overheating in traffic.
If it’s overheating now
Don’t drive it hot
Pull over safely, switch the engine off and let it cool. Driving on while overheating can warp the cylinder head. Call us and we’ll advise on recovery.
Book at either branch
Crown Garage Saltford
502 Bath Road, Saltford, BS31 3HJQuestions
Cooling system
The temperature gauge is creeping up. What do I do?
Stop as soon as it’s safe and switch off. Let it cool, check the coolant level, and get it checked rather than risk warping the head.
How often should antifreeze be changed?
Typically every 3–5 years depending on type. It loses its corrosion protection. £60 excl. VAT at Crown Garage.
There’s a sweet smell and steam. What is it?
Usually leaking coolant, a hose, the radiator, the water pump or the expansion tank. We pressure-test to find it.
Should the water pump be done with the cambelt?
On belt-driven pumps, yes, the labour is shared. See cambelt replacement.