Auto A/C & Heating Services

Is your vehicle's air conditioning or heating system not keeping up with the weather? Don't let the temperature in your vehicle make you miserable. Come visit Terry's Auto Service Center in Midland, MI 48640 and we'll get you comfortable again.

Even if your heat or A/C is working at reduced efficiency, it's still worth a visit to Terry's Auto Service Center. That's because heating and A/C systems may break eventually with usage, and hose pipes may clog and drip if not serviced. Let us examine your vehicle and keep your systems working at top performance. Call us at 989-486-3800 to learn more about how we can get your air conditioning or heating up and running again!

Indications your A/C system may be having issues:

• If your air conditioning blows only slightly cooler air compared to the exterior air
• Air that blows in smells damp, musty, or like mildew and mold
• Your cabin does not warm up in cold weather, or is just a little warmer than outside
• The defroster takes longer than typical to operate, or does not operate
• Your heater or A/C only functions when driving, not when idling, or quits blowing when the car is stationary
• Your heating system blows cold air, or the air conditioning blows warm air
• Low airflow even at the highest fan setting

A comprehensive evaluation of heating and A/C system includes:

• Examining the internal controls and blower
• Checking radiator coolant operating temperature, hoses, pressure radiator cap and thermostat
• Inspecting the compressor belt
• Inspecting system and seals for leaks or various other damages
• A cooling system pressure test
• Verifying the A/C pressure meets manufacturer specifications
• Measuring the interior vent air temperature

Our repair and maintenance services include:

Belts
The fan belt, also referred to as a drive belt, connects your vehicle's engine to its front-mounted accessories. This belt is responsible for rotating the water pump and engine fan, ensuring a cool engine environment. Unfortunately, over time, your vehicle's fan belts can dry out and develop cracks, requiring a replacement.

It's important to entrust this kind of task to seasoned professionals. Our mechanics can conduct a thorough inspection of your car's belts, replace any worn ones, and ensure the installed belts are properly adjusted for optimum performance.

Radiators
Radiators serve as heat exchangers, cooling your car's internal combustion engine. They accomplish this by circulating engine coolant through the engine block and then releasing the heat into the atmosphere through radiation.

Radiators consist of a set of tubes through which engine coolant flows, surrounded by fins. When a radiator fails, the excess heat produced by the engine could potentially damage vital engine components. To prevent such issues, it's crucial to have your radiator regularly serviced. For expert radiator maintenance, visit Terry's Auto Service Center today.

Coolant Questions and Answers

Q: How do I know what coolant I should use?

A: Your car's owner's manual provides a wealth of information. Follow the recommendations in your car's owner's manual to the letter unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer or auto repair professionals. It will tell you what type of coolant is best to use in your vehicle. If you don't have a copy of your owner's manual, you can most likely find the information you need on the manufacturer's website.

Q: When should I do a coolant flush?

A: Your vehicle's owner's manual will recommend getting the coolant flushed about every 30,000 miles or three to five years, whichever comes first. Make sure to consult your owner's manual as some outline a more specific interval depending on the vehicle's make and model and your driving habits.

Q: Why is my coolant leaking?

A: Corrosion within the radiator is the leading cause of a coolant leak. As the radiator tubes get older and weaker, sediment or debris collects inside and causes a leak. The sealing gasket between the tank and the radiator can also wear out, and lead to a leak.

Q: Why is my coolant light on and what should I do?

A: If the dashboard light is red, indicating your car is overheating then you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. If the coolant level is low or there is another problem with your cooling system, you could cause serious damage by continuing to drive.

Q: When is the coolant temperature too high?

The engine coolant is overheating if it's around 240 to 250 degrees. When the coolant gets this hot a light on your dashboard will come on to alert you. Pull over and turn your car off. The coolant is very hot and under extreme pressure. Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap until the car has cooled.

Radiator Questions and Answers

Q: What does radiator service include?

A: Radiator service starts with draining the system. Then we flush the radiator and engine block, inspecting all hoses to make sure they're not cracked. Next we refill the radiator with fresh coolant and finish by pressure testing the radiator cap and cooling system.

Q: When replacing a radiator what else should be replaced?

If you replace your radiator you may need to replace three other parts as well - the thermostat, water pump and heater core. An auto repair professional at Terry's Auto Service Center will let you know what other parts need to be replaced.

Q: When should the radiator in my car be replaced?

Often, radiators will last for the entire life of a car. On average a radiator lasts 8 to 10 years. However, there are a few factors that can reduce a radiator's working life such as improper maintenance, driving habits and environmental conditions.

Q: Why is my car engine overheating?

A: The most common reason a car overheats is a lack of coolant or a coolant leak. However, if you have an older vehicle, it may also indicate that it is time to replace your radiator, thermostat, water pump or heater core. If it continues to be a problem that you can't fix, your best bet is to bring it to our shop in Midland.