Radiator Service & Repair for 1986 GMC S15

Service Your GMC S15 Radiator

Are rising engine temperatures causing rising stress levels for you? Cool it! Schedule your 1986 GMC S15 radiator service or repair today.

When to Service Your 1986 GMC S15 Cooling System

It can be tough to know when to have your GMC S15 radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, but you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. Your radiator is part of the cooling system. It helps regulate engine temperature. If your radiator isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to, the engine can overheat – or worse, break down.

Staying on top of routine radiator maintenance for your 1986 GMC S15 is essential for long-term engine health. To keep your radiator functioning, GMC recommends replacing your antifreeze or coolant at scheduled intervals but it’s also wise to keep an eye out for signs of a failing radiator. You could be on the verge of a radiator-induced engine breakdown 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.

What to Expect from GMC S15 Radiator Repair

What happens during 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 S15. We then do a machine-powered radiator exchange, replenish flushed chemicals, sealants, and lubricants, and then pressure check for leaks.

Radiator problems often go hand in hand with water pump problems. Of all the parts in your 1986 GMC S15 engine, the water pump is one that you'll want to have repaired or replaced as soon as you discover a problem with it. This vital part keeps coolant moving through the engine, hoses, and radiator. 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 heater core to the radiator cap, we’re here to give your 1986 GMC S15 the top-notch service it needs. Every job we do is backed by our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Common GMC S15 Radiator Questions

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1986 GMC S15 radiator. Get answers to common radiator questions, and head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care as soon as you suspect a radiator issue.

  • 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.
  • 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 GMC S15 radiators need to be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your GMC S15 radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
  • Why is my S15 overheating? One of the main reasons your GMC S15 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.
  • What can cause a S15 radiator to make boiling or rumbling sounds? Your S15’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!
  • There’s rust in my S15 radiator. Should I be worried? Yes. Having rust in your GMC S15 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.