Radiator Service & Repair for 1988 Ford Mustang

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Ford Mustang Radiator Services

Keeping your cool is easier when your engine is cool. Schedule your 1988 Ford Mustang radiator repair or service today.

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When to Service Your 1988 Ford Mustang Cooling System

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your Ford Mustang radiator serviced, but it’s vital to know what to look for. As part of your car’s cooling system, your radiator helps keep engine temperature regulated. If your radiator isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to, the engine can overheat – or worse, break down.

Regular, proactive service on the radiator in your 1988 Ford Mustang is a huge factor in the longevity of your engine. Ford recommends that you replace coolant (also called antifreeze) at certain intervals, but it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for any indication that your radiator is failing. Your radiator could be close to causing an engine breakdown if you see coolant leaks under your car, high engine temperatures, or a dashboard light that indicates low coolant. As soon as you see one of these symptoms, come to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Ford Mustang 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 Mustang 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 Mustang engine can wait, but the water pump is one part that you'll want to have repaired or replaced as soon as you discover a problem with it. This pump ensures that coolant is always flowing through the radiator, hoses, and engine. 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. From the heater core to the radiator cap, your 1988 Ford Mustang 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.

Ford Mustang Radiator Q&A

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1988 Ford Mustang 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 Ford dashboard on? 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 Mustang radiator be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your Ford Mustang radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
  • Why is my Mustang overheating? One of the main reasons your Ford Mustang engine might overheat is because you don’t have enough coolant. Other causes include a clogged radiator, a damaged cooling fan, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty water pump.
  • Why does the radiator in my Mustang sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your Mustang. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.
  • Should I be concerned about rust in my Mustang radiator? Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Ford Mustang can impair its cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even result in complete failure of the radiator. Over time, rust can eat away at the radiator's cooling passages, forming tiny holes or cracks that can affect its operation. To help prevent rust from causing damage, you should stay on top of radiator maintenance.