1997 Ford Contour Radiator Service

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Service Your Ford Contour Radiator

Are rising engine temperatures causing rising stress levels for you? Cool it! Schedule your 1997 Ford Contour radiator service or repair today.

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When Does My 1997 Ford Contour Radiator Need Service?

It can be tough to know when to have your Ford Contour radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, but it’s vital to know what to look for. The radiator is in the cooling system of your car, and it helps your engine temperature stay within a safe range. When the radiator isn't working properly, your engine can overheat and potentially break down.

Keeping up with regular radiator maintenance in your 1997 Ford Contour is essential for long-term engine health. In fact, Ford recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific intervals, but it’s also wise to keep an eye out for signs of a failing radiator. You could be on the verge of a radiator-induced engine breakdown if you notice leaking coolant, overheating, or an illuminated low coolant dashboard light. 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 Ford Contour

What does radiator repair include? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Ford Contour cooling system. We’ll do a machine-powered coolant exchange on the system, and then we’ll top off or replace the fluids that were removed (like chemicals, lubricants, and sealants). Lastly, we’ll perform a pressure check to look for leaks.

Issues with your radiator often coincide with a malfunctioning water pump. Of all the parts in your 1997 Ford Contour engine, the water pump is one that you can't put off repairing or replacing. This vital part keeps coolant moving through the engine, hoses, and radiator. If it isn’t functioning properly, your engine won’t be able to stay within its optimal temperature range. Our technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to ensure everything is operating as it should. If you’re about to lose your cool over a too-hot engine, rest assured that your 1997 Ford Contour is in good hands at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Every job we do is backed by our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Common Ford Contour Radiator Questions

Wondering how to make your 1997 Ford Contour radiator last as long as possible? Read on for answers to common questions, and visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care when your engine shows any signs of a faulty radiator.

  • What does an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Ford? Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.
  • What are the puddles in my driveway or garage floor? 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!
  • Do Ford Contour radiators need to be cleaned? Cleaning your car shouldn’t be limited to the parts you can see. Regular cleaning is good for your radiator, too! When you take your Ford Contour in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.
  • What can cause my Contour to overheat? If your Ford Contour 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 Contour radiator sounds like it's rumbling or boiling! What's up? There could be air pockets in your Contour’s cooling system. You might also have a clogged radiator or faulty radiator cap (this last one is an easy fix!).
  • Should I be concerned about rust in my Contour radiator? Yes. If you have rust in your Ford Contour radiator, it could cause leaks, negatively impact cooling efficiency, and eventually lead to radiator failure. Left unaddressed, radiator rust can erode the cooling passages, creating cracks or small holes. Properly maintaining your radiator system can help stop it from rusting.