Cooling System Service and Maintenance

 

Keeping your car engine cool

 

We recommend that you perform a preventative cooling system maintenance check at least once every two years. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for specific guidelines. The check is designed to identify areas that need attention, and consists of:

 

• a visual inspection of all cooling system components, including belts and hoses
• a radiator cap pressure test to check for the recommended system pressure level
• a thermostat check for proper opening and closing
• a pressure test to identify any external leaks to the cooling system parts including the radiator, water pump,  engine coolant passages, radiator and heater hoses and heater core
• an internal leak test to check for combustion gas leakage into the cooling system
• an engine cooling fan test for proper operation.

 

Cooling System Operation

 

Antifreeze/Coolant

The main function of the Cooling System is to carry heat away from the engine and maintain the desired operating temperature. This is accomplished by circulating antifreeze/coolant through the engine, where heat is generated, and carrying it to the radiator to be cooled.

Modern automobiles operate in a variety of ambient temperatures, from well below freezing to well over 100 F. The fluid used to cool the engine must have a very low freezing point, a high boiling point, and it must have the ability to transfer heat.

An measured amount of an antifreeze/coolant and water mixture is necessary to reduce the possibility of engine overheating and freezing, and contain additives to prevent rust and corrosion in the cooling system.

Water is one of the most effective fluids for holding heat, but water freezes at too high a temperature to be used in automobile engines alone.

The fluid used in most vehicles is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, also known as “antifreeze” or “coolant”. By adding antifreeze to water, the boiling and freezing points are improved significantly.

The temperature of the coolant can sometimes reach 250 to 275 F (121 to 135 C). Even with antifreeze added, these temperatures would boil the coolant.  To prevent this, the cooling system is pressurized, which further raises the boiling point of the coolant. Most systems have around 14 to 15 pounds per square inch (psi), which raises the boiling point approximately 45 F so the coolant can endure the high temperatures produced in the engine.

 

 

Coolant Hoses

 

The radiator hoses and heater hoses are easily inspected.  You want to be sure that the hoses have no cracking or splitting and that there is no bulging or swelling at the ends.  If there are any signs of problems with a hose, it should be replaced.

After the cooling system is refilled with the proper coolant mixture,  a pressure test should be performed to ensure that there are no leaks.

 

Belts

 

On most older vehicles, the water pump is driven by either a V belt or serpentine belt on the front of the engine that is also responsible for driving the alternator, power steering pump and air conditioner compressor.  These types of belts are easy to inspect and replace if they are worn.  Check for dry cracking on the inside surface of the belt.

On newer vehicles, the water pump is often driven by the timing belt.  This belt usually has a specific life expectancy at which time it must be replaced to insure that it does not fail.  Since the timing belt is inside the engine and will require partial engine disassembly to inspect, it is very important to replace the timing belt at the scheduled interval.

Water Pumps

Your water pump is a key part of your car’s cooling system to make sure your engine stays at a constant temperature – whether the air temperature outside is 40 degrees celsius or 2 degrees celsius. Regular servicing of your motor should include servicing of your radiator, including your water pump. In reality, this may not happen.

Without ongoing care, it’s no surprise that water pumps suffer from wear and tear. It’s always a good idea to get leaks or noises checked out to avoid overheating or damage to the engine if it’s tied in to the timing belt area. Don’t ignore a bad water pump. You could blow your motor and be out of pocket from expensive repair costs.

Radiators

Preventing problems in your car’s cooling system is easier than having to replace them. Early detection of problems can also save you money and the inconvenience of a breakdown.

One of our experienced technicians will complete the following inspections and tests on your radiator and water pump:

• Inspect cooling system hoses
• Check hose clamps where required
• Check for worn fan/engine drive belts
• Inspect the radiator for external and internal corrosion • Check for evidence of any leaks.
• Externally inspect water pump and welsh plugs • Check the radiator cap seal for any leaks or deterioration • Check cooling system fans and operations.
• Flush system and refill coolant levels.

Steering and Suspension

The vehicle’s steering and suspension system comprises of many components and assemblies, including steering racks, steering boxes, coil springs, leaf springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, bushes and mountings, stabiliser links, control arms, tie rod ends and much more.

With Qualityone Automotive, our steering and suspension checks leave nothing to chance. We carry a complete check and cover all essential under-car componentry including bushes and assembly parts.

During the check, our expert technicians will identify any immediate work required plus advise on when additional servicing should be carried out in the future. Following the check, customers are given a condition report as to precisely what work should be carried out and which parts should be used to bring their vehicle back to peak performance and correct operating standards.

QualityOne Automotive Specialists in your car power steering

 

A car’s power steering is perhaps the most overlooked system, yet requires regular servicing. Not only does power steering help drivers manoeuvre their vehicles more effortlessly around tight corners or when the car is stopped or moving slowly, but it also provides some feedback of how the front wheels are interacting with the road.

If your power steering box is leaking fluid, or your power steering pump is not working properly, call QualityOne Automotive. Our expert mechanics can replace or repair your power steering rack, pump, pulley, drive belts, bearings, valves, hoses, seals and parts at competitive prices.

 

Our tips to keep you cool

Make sure your car’s heating and A/C is working properly. Run it for a while in each of its operating modes and check that the airflow is coming from all  vents into the car. If the A/C system takes a long time to cool the inside of the car, or if the air never gets cold enough, the system needs to be checked for leaks and may need recharging.

Our standard AC service includes:

• Identify the type of gas in the system
• Diagnose and repair all air conditioning problems
• Convert Pre 1994 vehicles from old CFC R12 gas to New R134a gas
• Remove and replace the filter unit if necessary
• Check condition of the compressor and condenser unit
• Check condition of all hoses and wiring harnesses
• Pressure test the system
• Vacuum system for a minimum of 30 minutes
• Recharge with R134A refrigerant, fluoro dye and oil
• Leak test all components
• Carry out pressure and temperature test
• We install new units to all types of vehicles and only use quality systems at an affordable price
• We repair and service compressors
• Repair and modify – all hoses and pipes including (aluminum, brass, copper, steel)
• Eliminate bad odours from your air conditioner
• Repair climate control systems

Air Conditioning System Re-gas

You may not be aware that over 10% of air conditioning gas permeates from the system every year, which means that your system may not work as well as it should. This is why car manufacturers recommend your AC system is recharged with gas and lubricant according to your vehicle manufacturer’s hand book. This service is not part of routine vehicle servicing, so if you have had your vehicle since new or you have bough a second hand vehicle that is more than 2 years old, it’s probably due for a recharge.

QualityOne Automotive offers a complete air conditioning recharge service at your home or place of work.

The recharge process can some times include a system “de-bug” to clear bacterial build up from within the system, which will remove any unpleasant odours. We will show you the difference in your AC system before and after recharge. Air conditioning systems not fully recharged will be less effective and have to work harder putting more strain on the engine and using more fuel.

Car Air Conditioning anti-bacterial clean & pollen filters

Have you had your A/C off for a while? Not smelling as fresh as it should? Get your A/C system cleaned at QualityOne Automotive. A blocked pollen filter may aggravate allergies and asthma whilst other dangers may include carbon particulates, exhaust emissions, industrial dust and fungal spores that settles in the air passages of a over long period of time.
Our fully trained air conditioning technicians will check air conditioning lubricant and refrigerant levels in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation and remove any bacteria and build up on your filters. A New Pollen Filter Can Ensure:

• Optimal protection from dust, pollen and harmful exhaust emissions
• Good quality filtered air
• Windscreens don’t mist up in autumn and winter

Qualityone Automotive can perform diagnostic checks on your motor vehicle.

Qualityone Automotive can offer quotes on either replacement (new or second hand) or dismantle and recondition your Alternator or Starter Motor. Whether your car doesn’t start or turn over, the charging light is coming on or it has other problems we can help. We use only quality parts and quality specialists. We use good quality brands such as Bosch, Mitsubishi, Nippon Denso, Valeo.ect.

We come to you at your home or work, at your convenience if required. All work comes with a 12 Month / 20,000km Warranty.

Once all repairs are complete and new parts fitted, Out technicians we test the battery and charging system rate to make sure your battery will continue to give a good output charge and hold. We also check the fan belt to ensure that it’s in good condition and tensioned correctly.

Starter Motors, once all repairs are complete and new parts fitted, we’ll fit and test the starter current draw to make sure the starting system is running to correct specification.

All work comes with a 12 Month / 20,000km Warranty.

Mobile Car Batteries

Flat battery? No problem!

We have a large range of batteries to suit most vehicles, which can be delivered and installed by our trained technicians.

Price is calculated as an indicative, Batteries pricing will be different for every type of vehicle eg: cars, utes, vans, and 4WD.

When you need to buy a replacement car battery, its usually when your existing battery has failed. Make sure that the battery you purchase suitable for your car. Here at qualityone Automotive we match the right battery for your vehicle, whether it is a Holden, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Lexus, VW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, or any other car, Truck, Van, Ute, or 4WD. We take the hassle out of choosing the right battery for your specific vehicle. We make sure that the battery you buy is at high quality standards and won’t let you down.

We’ll also check the charge rate to make sure your Alternator is supplying the correct charge rate to the battery our batteries come with a 12-24 month unconditional warranty to give you piece of mind.

Blue slips

Getting a Blue Slip for a vehicle can be part of the overall requirement for a vehicle that has been out of registration for more than 3 months, or a vehicle that has been bought from a different state other than NSW. A Blue Slip is an inspection beyond a standard Pink Slip or eSafety Check. This process includes the safety check and additional inspections.

Pink slip

The eSafety Check or Pink Slip is not normally required for vehicles under five years old. 4WD and commercial vehicles still need to be inspected for a pink slip/eSafety inspection. The report is sent electronically to Roads and Maritime Services and is valid for 6 months. A White Slip is issued when repairs are needed to meet eSafety requirements. The repairs must be made within 14 days.

If the repairs are not completed within this period, another eSafety Check must be performed, at the original cost. If the repaired vehicle is returned to the original inspection station within the 14-day period, no additional inspection fees are incurred. Pink Slip inspections are required yearly.