1986 Dodge Lancer Radiator Repair & Service

Service Your Dodge Lancer Radiator

Don’t let the heat of the moment – or of your engine – get to your head. Schedule a radiator repair or service for your 1986 Dodge Lancer today.

When Does My 1986 Dodge Lancer Radiator Need Service?

If you’re not sure what the purpose of a radiator is, it’s hard to tell when to have your Dodge Lancer radiator serviced. Nonetheless, you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. Your radiator is part of the cooling system. It helps regulate engine temperature. If your radiator isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to, the engine can overheat – or worse, break down.

Keeping up with regular radiator maintenance in your 1986 Dodge Lancer is a huge factor in the longevity of your engine. In fact, Dodge recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific intervals, but it’s also wise to keep an eye out for signs of a failing radiator. Your radiator could be close to causing an engine breakdown if you notice a low coolant light or higher-than-normal engine temperatures on your dashboard, or if you spot coolant leaks coming from your car. Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check at the first sign of one of these issues.

Radiator Repair Service for Your Dodge Lancer

What does radiator repair include? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Dodge Lancer cooling system. Then, we’ll move on to a machine-powered coolant exchange. Finally, we’ll refill the flushed sealants, lubricants and chemicals, then do a pressure check to catch any possible leaks.

Issues with your radiator often coincide with a malfunctioning water pump. Of all the parts in your 1986 Dodge Lancer engine, the water pump is one that you can't put off repairing or replacing. This pump ensures that coolant is always flowing through the radiator, hoses, and engine. If it’s not working well (or at all), your engine can easily overheat. Our trained technicians can inspect your car’s radiator hoses and pumps to help you stay ahead of any potential engine problems. From the radiator cap to the heater core, your 1986 Dodge Lancer is in good hands at Firestone Complete Auto Care. We stand behind our work with our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Common Dodge Lancer Radiator Questions

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1986 Dodge Lancer radiator. Get answers to common radiator questions, and head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care as soon as you suspect a radiator issue.

  • Why is the coolant light on my Dodge dashboard on? If the coolant light illuminates on your dashboard, your engine could be overheating. Pull over to a safe area and wait for the engine to cool down. Then, head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a coolant system check.
  • Is an antifreeze leak dangerous? Notice a leaking fluid that's green, bright orange, or pink and feels sticky? It might be antifreeze. Antifreeze is toxic but has a sweet smell and taste that's attractive to many cats and dogs. Do your pets a favor and have an antifreeze leak investigated ASAP. Then hose down the driveway or garage floor!
  • Can Dodge Lancer radiators be cleaned? To keep your Dodge Lancer radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.
  • What can cause my Lancer to overheat? If your Dodge Lancer engine overheats, it could be because of a clogged radiator, a damaged thermostat, a faulty cooling fan, a malfunctioning water pump, or low coolant levels.
  • My Lancer radiator sounds like it's rumbling or boiling! What's up? There could be air pockets in your Lancer’s cooling system. You might also have a clogged radiator or faulty radiator cap (this last one is an easy fix!).
  • Is it bad to have rust on my Lancer radiator? Yes. Having rust in your Dodge Lancer radiator can cause leaks, a reduction in cooling efficiency, and even radiator failure. If rust is left untreated, it can corrode the radiator's cooling passages, causing small cracks or holes that can significantly impact the radiator's ability to function. To help prevent rust from becoming a major issue, it's important to properly maintain your radiator system.