Cooling System and Radiator Repair in Athens, GA
Heat is the number one killer of import engines. Just one bad overheat can warp a head. Athens Import Auto Repair does cooling system and radiator repair in Athens, GA. We keep BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW, Honda, Toyota and more running cool.
Cooling System and Radiator done right, by people who know imports
Many import cooling parts are plastic. Expansion tanks, thermostat housings and coolant flanges get brittle with age. Then they crack and leak. We replace them before they leave you on the side of Lexington Road.
Is your temp gauge climbing? Do you smell sweet coolant? Call 706-353-3880. Do not drive it hot.
BMW engines use plastic expansion tanks and electric water pumps that fail with age. Audi and VW 2.0 turbo engines leak from the plastic water pump housing. The coolant flange on the block leaks too. Mercedes-Benz ML and C-Class thermostat housings and radiator caps are common leak points. Toyota water pumps often start to weep at the seal after 100,000 miles. Some Nissan Pathfinder and Frontier radiators crack inside and let coolant into the transmission. We fix all of these at Athens Import Auto Repair in Athens, GA.
Signs of a cooling system problem
- The temp gauge runs higher than normal. It gets worse in traffic.
- You see a green, pink or blue puddle under the car.
- You notice a sweet smell after you park.
- The coolant level keeps dropping, but you see no leak.
- The heater blows cold when the engine is warm.
- Steam comes from under the hood.
What our cooling service includes
Pressure test
We put pressure on the system and watch for the leak. Even slow leaks show up fast this way.
Water pump replacement
The water pump pushes coolant through the engine. When it leaks or the bearing whines, we replace it.
Thermostat and housing
The thermostat opens to let coolant flow once the engine is warm. Many import housings are plastic and crack. We replace both.
Radiator replacement
Plastic end tanks split with age, so we install a new radiator that fits your car.
Hoses, flanges and expansion tank
Cracked plastic parts and swollen hoses are the most common leak points on imports. We replace them.
Coolant flush and bleed
We fill with the coolant your brand lists. Then we bleed the air out, because air pockets cause hot spots.
How a cooling repair works
Stop driving and call
Do not drive a car that is running hot. Call us, and we will tell you what to do.
We pressure test
The test finds the leak or the failed part. We also check the pump, thermostat and fan.
You approve the fix
We show you the part and the price. Then we tell you what may come next.
We repair, fill and bleed
We replace the part, fill it with the right coolant and bleed the air. Then we run it to full temp.
Why drivers trust us with cooling system and radiator
Import coolant matters
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Honda and Toyota each use their own coolant type. We stock them all.
We know the weak plastic
We know which import parts crack first, so we check them all while we are in there.
Proper bleeding
Many imports trap air after a refill. We bleed the system the right way, so it does not run hot.
I bought a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Clubman about a month ago. I replaced just about everything on the engine to no avail. It just would not idle like it should. I determined it was a bad timing chain. As it turned out I was right. I took it to James who agreed and he had his technician Tony replace the timing chain components. They went the extra mile to remove the oil pan and remove the chewed up debris from the oil pump screen. It now runs like a brand new car! Thanks to them, I'll enjoy this car for many years to come. Great service and very polite. Very knowledgeable too.
Rob, customerCooling System and Radiator FAQ
Who does cooling system and radiator repair in Athens, GA?
Athens Import Auto Repair on Winterville Road fixes cooling systems on imports only. That means water pumps, radiators, thermostats, hoses and coolant flushes. Call 706-353-3880.
Why do BMW cooling systems fail so often?
BMW uses a lot of plastic in the cooling system. After years of heat, the expansion tank, thermostat housing and hose ends get brittle. Many BMW owners replace these parts around 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Where is my Audi losing coolant?
On Audi and VW 2.0 turbo engines, check the water pump housing and the coolant flange first. Both are plastic, and a pink crust near the part gives it away. We pressure test to be sure.
Can I drive my car if it is overheating?
No. Even a few minutes too hot can warp the cylinder head. Pull over, shut it off and let it cool. Then call us.
Does my Toyota need a special coolant?
Yes. Toyota uses its own pink long life coolant. Mixing in the wrong type can cause gel and clogs. We use the right coolant for each brand.
Why does my heater blow cold when the engine is hot?
A cold heater with a hot engine often means low coolant or air in the system. It can also be a stuck heater valve or a clogged heater core. We check the level first, then test the rest.
Related services
Running hot? Let's fix it before it gets worse
Call us or book your visit. We will find the leak and keep your import cool.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.