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Posts made in January 2020

Vehicle Radiator: Repair or Replace?

Like any system that works hard day in and day out, your vehicle’s radiator can fail and require repair. The main reason for radiator failure is a leak, which can lead to the cooling system failing. If the coolant has not been checked or topped correctly, the inside of the system will begin to rust and become clogged. Corrosion will eventually result in small holes developing, causing engine coolant loss, and a need for radiator repair.

Symptoms of Radiator Failure
The most common sign of radiator failure is coolant leaks. To ensure your vehicle’s radiator has the proper amount, you should check it regularly. On most cooling systems, there will be a maximum and minimum level indicator you can use to judge the level of coolant – ideally, it will always be between those two marks. Coolant levels will decrease naturally, but a significant drop over a short period of time will indicate a radiator leak. Other faulty radiator symptoms include frequent engine overheating (keep an eye on the temperature gauge), or a puddle underneath the engine (this will indicate a leaking radiator).

Repair or Replace
In some cases, a radiator repair is a better choice than replacing the radiator, but not always. At the first sign of trouble, call us for exceptional radiator repair and auto parts in Apopka. Our expert team of mechanics at Millikan Battery and Electric Inc., will diagnose and fix the problem and get you back on the road quickly.

 

Tips For Cleaning Corroded Car Battery Terminals

Sometimes trouble starting your vehicle is a sign that the battery needs replacing, but often this frustrating situation is actually caused by buildup on the battery terminals. Avoid unnecessary expenses, worry, and trips to the auto repair shop by cleaning your vehicle’s battery terminals. By doing so, you can actually help the battery perform stronger, longer.

Step 1: Mix your homemade battery cleaner. To do so, combine one tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of water and stir until mixed.

Step 2: Disconnect the cables from the battery. First, make sure the car isn’t running and then undo the negative and then positive cable attached to your battery. Once that is complete, assess your battery for buildup, corrosion, and grime.

Step 3: Start scrubbing. Using an old toothbrush, dip it into the baking soda cleaner and start scrubbing the terminals. Be sure you’re rinsing the toothbrush regularly as you work. Clean the terminals thoroughly until all of the buildup has been removed.

Step 4: Rinse off the cleaning residue and the battery. After you’ve removed all of the corrosion and dirt from the terminals, give the battery a rinse. You can use a spray bottle with water to spray both the battery and terminals. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can wipe everything down with a damp rag. Then, use another cloth to dry the terminals completely.

Step 5: Reattach the cables. Once the terminals are dry, you can apply a small amount of petroleum jelly on them. This will lubricate them, help prevent further corrosion, and help strengthen the connection. Finally, reattach the positive and negative cables, and you’re finished.

Keeping your vehicle battery clean can help prolong the life of car batteries in Winter Garden, FL. Stop by Millikan Battery and Electric LLC., if the battery is still giving you trouble after cleaning. We’ll replace your battery if needed and get you back on the road with peace of mind.