What does the coolant light on my GMC dashboard mean?

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.

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 R3500 radiators need to be cleaned?

To keep your GMC R3500 radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.

What is causing my R3500 to overheat?

Your GMC R3500 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 R3500 sound like it’s rumbling or boiling?

Your R3500’s cooling system could contain air pockets or your radiator might be clogged. Another possibility is a faulty radiator cap, which is an easy fix!

Is rust in my R3500 radiator bad?

Yes. Having rust in your GMC R3500 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.

1987 GMC R3500 Radiator Service

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Schedule GMC R3500 Radiator Service

Keeping your cool is easier when your engine is cool. Schedule your 1987 GMC R3500 radiator repair or service today.

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When to Service Your 1987 GMC R3500 Cooling System

It can be tough to know when to have your GMC R3500 radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, but you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. As part of your car’s cooling system, your radiator helps keep engine temperature regulated. When the radiator isn't working properly, your engine can overheat and potentially break down.

Staying on top of routine radiator maintenance for your 1987 GMC R3500 is crucial to keep your engine in the best possible shape for years to come. GMC recommends that you replace coolant (also called antifreeze) at certain intervals, but you can also take note of any signs your radiator is going bad. 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.

GMC R3500 Coolant Fluid Exchange

What does radiator repair include? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your GMC R3500 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.

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 1987 GMC R3500 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. Without it, your engine won't maintain its optimal temperature. Our technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to ensure everything is operating as it should. From the radiator cap to the heater core, your 1987 GMC R3500 is in good hands at Firestone Complete Auto Care. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

GMC R3500 Radiator Q&A

Take care of your 1987 GMC R3500 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.

What does the coolant light on my GMC dashboard mean? 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.
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 R3500 radiators need to be cleaned? To keep your GMC R3500 radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.
What is causing my R3500 to overheat? Your GMC R3500 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 R3500 sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? Your R3500’s cooling system could contain air pockets or your radiator might be clogged. Another possibility is a faulty radiator cap, which is an easy fix!
Is rust in my R3500 radiator bad? Yes. Having rust in your GMC R3500 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.