Overheating & Cooling System Repair in Harahan

Is it overheating?

• The temperature gauge sits higher than it normally does, or a temperature warning comes on
• Steam or a hot, sweet smell from under the hood
• A puddle of green, orange, pink or blue fluid under the front of the car
• The coolant overflow tank keeps going low
• The heater blows cool air even after the engine warms up
• The cooling fan runs loud all the time, or never seems to come on

The usual suspects

Leaks. Hoses, the radiator, the water pump, and the heater core can all leak. A small leak can take weeks to cause a problem, so it's easy to miss.

Thermostat. If it sticks closed, coolant can't get to the radiator and the engine heats up fast. If it sticks open, the engine runs cold and the heater barely works.

Cooling fans. At highway speed, air gets pushed through the radiator on its own. Sitting at a light on Jefferson Hwy or in traffic on the Huey P. Long Bridge, the fans have to do that job. A car that only runs hot in traffic often has a fan, fan relay or sensor problem.

Water pump. It moves coolant through the engine. When it wears out it can leak from a small weep hole or stop pumping well.

Radiator and cap. Radiators can clog inside or get packed with debris outside. A worn cap that doesn't hold pressure lets coolant boil sooner.

How we track it down

We pressure-test the system to find leaks, check the coolant level and condition, test the thermostat and fans, and look at the hoses, belts, radiator and water pump. If the engine was driven hot, we'll check for signs of head gasket trouble too, and tell you straight what we find.

Coolant flush

Coolant wears out. Old coolant stops protecting the metal parts inside the engine and radiator. Your owner's manual lists when it should be replaced and what type to use. Mixing the wrong types can cause problems, so we use what your car calls for.

If it's running hot right now

Turn off the A/C and turn the heater on full. It sounds wrong, but it pulls heat away from the engine. If the gauge keeps climbing, pull over and shut it off. Don't open the radiator cap while it's hot. Then call (504) 737-4096 and we'll help you figure out whether it's safe to drive in or needs a tow.

Estimates and warranty

Estimates are free and in writing. Qualifying repairs carry our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty, and financing is available for qualifying repairs.

We're at 6229 Jefferson Hwy in Harahan, near Hickory Ave. Open Monday–Thursday 7:30 AM–5:00 PM and Friday 7:30 AM–4:00 PM. Directions and drive times.

Questions we get

Why does my car only overheat at red lights?

That usually points to the cooling fans or something blocking airflow through the radiator. At speed, air flows through it on its own. Stopped, the fans have to move the air.

Is it OK to just keep adding coolant?

Only as a short-term fix. If it keeps going low, it's leaking somewhere, and leaks tend to get worse. We pressure-test to find it.

Can overheating damage my engine?

Yes. Driving while it's overheating can warp the cylinder head or damage the head gasket. Pull over and shut it off if the gauge keeps rising.

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