What does an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Subaru?

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.

Is an antifreeze leak dangerous?

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.

Can Subaru GL radiators be cleaned?

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

My GL 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 Subaru GL engine to overheat.

Why does the radiator in my GL sound like it’s rumbling or boiling?

There could be air pockets in your GL’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 GL radiator?

Yes. Having rust in your Subaru GL 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.

1986 Subaru GL Radiator Service

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Service Your Subaru GL Radiator

Keeping your cool is easier when your engine is cool. Schedule your 1986 Subaru GL radiator repair or service today.

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When to Service Your 1986 Subaru GL Cooling System

If you’re not sure what the purpose of a radiator is, it’s hard to tell when to have your Subaru GL radiator serviced. Nonetheless, it's still extremely important. The radiator is in the cooling system of your car, and it helps your engine temperature stay within a safe range. 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.

Regular, proactive service on the radiator in your 1986 Subaru GL is crucial to keep your engine in the best possible shape for years to come. To keep your radiator functioning, Subaru 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. Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check at the first sign of one of these issues.

Radiator Repair Service for Your Subaru GL

What does radiator repair include? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Subaru GL cooling system. 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 Subaru GL engine, the water pump is one 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. Without it, your engine won't maintain its optimal temperature. Our trained technicians can inspect your car’s radiator hoses and pumps to help make sure everything is in working order. If you’re about to lose your cool over a too-hot engine, rest assured that we’re here to give your 1986 Subaru GL the top-notch service it needs. Every job we do is backed by our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Subaru GL Radiator Q&A

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1986 Subaru GL 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 an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Subaru? 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.
Is an antifreeze leak dangerous? 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.
Can Subaru GL radiators be cleaned? To keep your Subaru GL radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.
My GL 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 Subaru GL engine to overheat.
Why does the radiator in my GL sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? There could be air pockets in your GL’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 GL radiator? Yes. Having rust in your Subaru GL 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.