News

You know South Texas summers are hot, and this one's going to be no exception. Hot weather puts more stress on your vehicle's cooling system, and modern engines are pretty sensitive to overheating. With an aluminum block or head, it can take only one serious overheating episode to cause real engine damage. Consider these tips to protect your vehicle's engine: 

-- If you're hauling a heavy load or pulling a trailer, keep your speed down. You're already adding a lot more stress to the engine and drivetrain. Don't make it even greater by driving fast. 

-- Make sure your cooling system is serviced. Coolant (a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water) has a service life and starts to break down over time. It contains anticorrosion agents but scale and corosion can still build up in the radiator's internal passages, clogging them and contaminating the coolant. The good news is, an auto tech can easily analyze the coolant's condition if you haven't kept up on maintenance intervals, and make recommendations on whether it's time for a system flush and refill. 

-- Check your hoses and hose clamps. The system is only as strong as those hoses, and a failed hose will quickly leave you stranded by the side of the road. 

-- Make sure your entire cooling system is up for the rigors of summer driving. That includes the radiator, hoses, hose clamps, water pump and thermostat. 

-- While the A/C system isn't part of your cooling system, it's still important! Remember that running an A/C that's low on refrigerant is harmful to the system. Refrigerant contains oil to lubricate the compressor's moving parts, and running it while low on refrigerant can result in the compressor literally coming apart and sending shards of metal through other components. Make sure your system's fully charged before hitting the road this summer. 

We want you to be safe and comfortable going into the summer months, so make an appointment with Pueblo Tires and Service and let us check over your cooling system!