🔥 Full Car Service Special — Semi-Synthetic 10W-40 $169 · 5W-30 $179
Includes oil & filter change, air filter inspection, brake inspection, suspension & steering check, exhaust/belts/hoses inspection, all lights checked, tyre pressure check & adjustment, fluids topped up, and a FREE car wash & vacuum.
Coolant Level Dropping or Engine Running Hot?
We diagnose and repair radiators, thermostats and water pumps.
📍 8/61 Wattle Road, Maidstone VIC 3012The Radiator
The radiator is where heat absorbed by coolant gets released into the outside air, using a network of thin channels and fins to maximise surface area. A radiator can fail through internal corrosion, external damage from stone chips, or simply clogging with age — any of which reduce its ability to shed heat effectively.
The Thermostat
The thermostat is a temperature-sensitive valve that stays closed while the engine warms up, then opens to allow coolant to circulate through the radiator once the engine reaches operating temperature. A thermostat stuck closed causes overheating; one stuck open means the engine never reaches proper operating temperature, which hurts fuel economy and can accelerate internal wear.
The Water Pump
The water pump physically circulates coolant around the system, usually driven by a belt connected to the engine. A failing water pump often shows up as a coolant leak near the front of the engine, or a whining noise, before it fails completely.
How They Work Together
Coolant is pumped by the water pump, through the engine to absorb heat, through the radiator (once the thermostat allows it) to release that heat, and back to the pump — a continuous loop. A fault in any one component disrupts the whole cycle.
Worth knowing: A slowly dropping coolant level without a visible puddle underneath the car doesn't mean the coolant vanished — it means there's a leak somewhere in the system, even a small one, and it's worth finding before it causes an overheating incident.
If your car has actually overheated, see our FAQ for the safe step-by-step: What Should I Do If My Car Is Overheating on the Road?
Coolant Level Dropping or Engine Running Hot?
We diagnose and repair radiators, thermostats and water pumps.
📍 8/61 Wattle Road, Maidstone VIC 3012