1988 Ford Tempo Radiator Service

Ford Tempo 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 Tempo today.

When Does My 1988 Ford Tempo Radiator Need Service?

It can be tough to know when to have your Ford Tempo radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, but it’s vital to know what to look for. Your radiator is part of the cooling system. It helps regulate engine temperature. So, what happens when the radiator isn’t working quite like it should? You guessed it – your engine overheats, and it may even break down completely.

Staying on top of routine radiator maintenance for your 1988 Ford Tempo 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. You might be driving around (or about to be stranded) with a failing radiator if you notice leaking coolant, overheating, or an illuminated low coolant dashboard light. As soon as you see one of these symptoms, come to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Radiator Repair Service for Your Ford Tempo

What does radiator repair include? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Ford Tempo 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. Of all the parts in your 1988 Ford Tempo 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 isn’t functioning properly, your engine won’t be able to stay within its optimal temperature range. Let our technicians examine your radiator pumps and hoses to ensure everything is operating as it should. From the radiator cap to the heater core, we’ll take excellent care of your 1988 Ford Tempo at Firestone Complete Auto Care. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Questions About Ford Tempo Radiators

Wondering how to make your 1988 Ford Tempo 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.

  • Why is the coolant light on my Ford 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? 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.
  • Do Ford Tempo radiators need to be cleaned? To keep your Ford Tempo radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.
  • What is causing my Tempo to overheat? Your Ford Tempo engine could overheat due to low coolant, a clogged radiator, a damaged water pump, a malfunctioning cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat.
  • Why does the radiator in my Tempo sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? There could be air pockets in your Tempo’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 Tempo radiator? Yes. Having rust in your Ford Tempo 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.