1986 GMC C1500 Suburban Radiator Repair & Service

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Schedule GMC C1500 Suburban Radiator Service

Are rising engine temperatures causing rising stress levels for you? Cool it! Schedule your 1986 GMC C1500 Suburban radiator service or repair today.

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When Does My 1986 GMC C1500 Suburban Radiator Need Service?

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your GMC C1500 Suburban radiator serviced, but it's still extremely important. 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 1986 GMC C1500 Suburban is a huge factor in the longevity of your engine. To keep your radiator functioning, GMC recommends replacing your antifreeze or coolant at scheduled 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 notice a low coolant light or higher-than-normal engine temperatures on your dashboard, or if you spot coolant leaks coming from your car. As soon as you see one of these symptoms, come to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

GMC C1500 Suburban Coolant Fluid Exchange

What’s included in a radiator repair service? When you come to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we’ll begin your radiator repair with an in-depth inspection of the cooling system in your GMC C1500 Suburban. 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.

If your radiator is acting up, odds are good that your water pump needs to be checked for proper function, too. The water pump is one part on your 1986 GMC C1500 Suburban engine that you'll want to have repaired or replaced as soon as you discover a problem with it. The role of the water pump is to keep coolant circulating in your engine, radiator, and hoses. 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 heater core to the radiator cap, we’re here to give your 1986 GMC C1500 Suburban the top-notch service it needs. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

GMC C1500 Suburban Radiator Q&A

Take care of your 1986 GMC C1500 Suburban radiator and it will last. Check out our top questions and answers about GMC radiators below, and visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care at the first sign of an overheating engine.

  • Why is the coolant light on my GMC 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.
  • Can an antifreeze leak wait? It's better to get it fixed sooner than later. Antifreeze is toxic if consumed, but its smell can attract cats and dogs. Keep your whole family safe by repairing antifreeze leaks ASAP and thoroughly hosing down your parking spot to get rid of any lingering residue on the ground.
  • Do GMC C1500 Suburban 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 GMC C1500 Suburban in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.
  • My C1500 Suburban overheated! What can cause that? If your GMC C1500 Suburban 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.
  • Why does the radiator in my C1500 Suburban sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? There could be air pockets in your C1500 Suburban’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 C1500 Suburban radiator? Yes. Having rust in your GMC C1500 Suburban 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.