This week, in honor of the "Dog Days of Summer" service specials and discounts that are going on  in every Jim Ellis store, our blog posts will include a few details about the effects of the hot summer weather on your vehicles.

Yesterday, we talked about how the summer heat impacts your battery life.

Today's topic might seem obvious, but worth mentioning, the cooling system.

Chill Out!  Check that Cooling System

If your car is overheating, if you smell something sweet under the hood, or if you have to continually add fluids or see leaks under your vehicle (particularly towards the front), then you need a cooling system service. 

However, even if you have none of these symptoms, the last thing you want to have happen is an overheated car in the midst of Atlanta's summer traffic!  As part of the "dog days of summer", we recommend a complete cooling system check including:

• o    Pressure test including radiator cap, and repair of any leaks
• o    Antifreeze protection test
• o    Test all hoses and belts, replacing brittle or cracked parts, tightening all loose hose connections
• o    Flow test - ensuring that the coolant flows well and at the proper temperature