1989 GMC S15 Radiator Repair & Service

Service Your GMC S15 Radiator

Don’t let the heat of the moment – or of your engine – get to your head. Schedule a radiator repair or service for your 1989 GMC S15 today.

When Does My 1989 GMC S15 Radiator Need Service?

If you’re not sure what the purpose of a radiator is, it’s hard to tell when to have your GMC S15 radiator serviced. Nonetheless, you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. 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 1989 GMC S15 is essential for long-term engine health. 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.

What to Expect from GMC S15 Radiator Repair

What happens during a radiator repair service? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your GMC S15 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 1989 GMC S15 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’s not working well (or at all), your engine can easily overheat. Our trained technicians can inspect your car’s radiator hoses and pumps to help make sure everything is in working order. From the radiator cap to the heater core, we’ll take excellent care of your 1989 GMC S15 at Firestone Complete Auto Care. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Common GMC S15 Radiator Questions

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1989 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? 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? 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.
  • Can GMC S15 radiators 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.
  • My S15 overheated! What can cause that? Low coolant, a damaged cooling fan, a faulty water pump, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a clogged radiator could all cause your GMC S15 engine to overheat.
  • What is making my S15 radiator sound like it’s boiling or rumbling? There could be air pockets in your S15’s cooling system. You might also have a clogged radiator or faulty radiator cap (this last one is an easy fix!).
  • Should I be concerned about rust in my S15 radiator? Yes. Rust in your GMC S15 radiator could reduce cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even lead to radiator failure. Left unchecked, rust can damage the radiator's cooling passages causing small holes or cracks in the radiator. Maintain your radiator system to help prevent rust.