1988 Ford Escort Radiator Service

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Ford Escort Radiator Services

Don’t let the heat of the moment – or of your engine – get to your head. Schedule a radiator repair or service for your 1988 Ford Escort today.

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When Does My 1988 Ford Escort Radiator Need Service?

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your Ford Escort radiator serviced, 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.

Staying on top of routine radiator maintenance for your 1988 Ford Escort is crucial to keep your engine in the best possible shape for years to come. 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 might be driving around (or about to be stranded) with a failing radiator if you see coolant leaks under your car, high engine temperatures, or a dashboard light that indicates low coolant. When you experience one or more of these issues, head to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Ford Escort Coolant Fluid Exchange

What’s included in a radiator repair service? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Ford Escort cooling system. We then do a machine-powered radiator exchange, replenish flushed chemicals, sealants, and lubricants, and then pressure check for leaks.

If your radiator is acting up, odds are good that your water pump needs to be checked for proper function, too. Some services for your 1988 Ford Escort engine can wait, but the water pump is one part 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 technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to help you stay ahead of any potential engine problems. From the radiator cap to the heater core, we’ll take excellent care of your 1988 Ford Escort at Firestone Complete Auto Care. We stand behind our work with our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Common Ford Escort Radiator Questions

Wondering how to make your 1988 Ford Escort 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 the coolant light on my Ford dashboard mean? 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? Don’t ignore puddles on your driveway or garage floor. If you see a green, bright orange, or pink fluid puddling under your car (it might be sticky, too), it could be antifreeze that’s leaking out of the engine. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to cats and dogs (and it’s highly toxic to them), so look out for your pets! Repair any leaks as soon as possible, then carefully wash away any remaining fluid that’s left behind on the driveway or garage floor.
  • When should my Ford Escort radiator 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 Escort in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.
  • Why is my Escort overheating? Your Ford Escort engine could overheat due to low coolant, a clogged radiator, a damaged water pump, a malfunctioning cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat.
  • What is making my Escort radiator sound like it’s boiling or rumbling? There could be air pockets in your Escort’s cooling system. You might also have a clogged radiator or faulty radiator cap (this last one is an easy fix!).
  • There’s rust in my Escort radiator. Should I be worried? Yes. Rust in your Ford Escort radiator could reduce cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even lead to radiator failure. Left unchecked, rust can damage the radiator's cooling passages causing small holes or cracks in the radiator. Maintain your radiator system to help prevent rust.