We have a vehicle in the shop today that keeps blowing its top. The very frustrated self-determined mechanic brought the vehicle in to the shop with the complaint that he can’t get a good radiator cap anywhere. “Can you tell me where to get a “good” one?” was the question asked of our service writer.

The inquisitive mind is the very best friend of a good service writer and the next best friend is a good batch of empathy. So, Mike began to ask the questions that demonstrate how much he really cares about our customers.

When did this happen? Did anyone get burned with hot anti-freeze? Where did you buy the part? How can we help? Can we take a look? Mike offered to take a look, no charge, just looking for a way to help.

Now with three radiator caps on the floorboard, a case of anti-freeze in the trunk and fluid running all over the drive, we knew we needed triage – stat! After our friend agreed to accept our courtesy car ride to work, we inspected the vehicle, performed the necessary tests and discovered the problem.

Somewhere in the recent past, this vehicle has had almost all of the components in the engine cooling system replaced and it still keeps blowing off the radiator cap and the mystery still needs to be solved.

Chris, one of our ASE Certified Master Techs, discovered that the expansion tank for the coolant had a plugged port. Some unnamed miscreant had added a “harmless” bottle of sealant to the system. Surely a little sealant can’t hurt. Not seeking a confession, but a solution, Chris was able to unplug the clogged “artery”, clean out the coolant system and solve the problem.

We are often asked if some kind of “sealant” should be added to a fluid leak. We think it always costs less to fix the leak. The sealants do their job, but they also seal places that you don’t want sealed as well.

Call us or make an appointment online, before your vehicle blows its top. It can save you a lot of green!