The weather is starting to change. It's that time of year again. And as usual, here in the Tri-Valley, it's gonna be HOT. The hotter it is outside, the harder it is on your car. The cooling system works harder to get rid of all that extra heat, which can cause you lots of trouble if things aren't up to snuff. The radiator hoses need to be in good shape, as well as the heater hoses. The thermostat needs to be in working order and you should have a 50-50 mix of anti-freeze and water in the cooling system. One weak link and it all goes up in steam....literally. Once a year, in the spring, before it gets hot, you should have your cooling system serviced. If necessary, replace the coolant. Have a detailed inspection done of the system. All components will need to be looked at and the system should be checked for proper performance. The cooling system should be pressurized to check for leaks. The anti-freeze should at proper concentration and not dirty or rusty looking. If there is rust in the system, the water pump may work at a reduced level trying to push through a clogged radiator. The drive belts need to be in good condition as well. If you think you may have a problem, it's best to get it checked out before disaster strikes. Call us at (925) 828-1700 or log on to www.trivalleyautomotive.com for an online appointment today.