1988 Subaru GL Radiator Service

Subaru GL Radiator Services

Are rising engine temperatures causing rising stress levels for you? Cool it! Schedule your 1988 Subaru GL radiator service or repair today.

When to Service Your 1988 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, you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. The radiator is in the cooling system of your car, and it helps your engine temperature stay within a safe range. When the radiator isn't working properly, your engine can overheat and potentially break down.

Keeping up with regular radiator maintenance in your 1988 Subaru GL is essential for long-term engine health. In fact, Subaru recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific 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 notice a low coolant light or higher-than-normal engine temperatures on your dashboard, or if you spot coolant leaks coming from your car. When you experience one or more of these issues, head to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Subaru GL Coolant Fluid Exchange

What happens during a radiator repair service? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Subaru GL cooling system. 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.

Issues with your radiator often coincide with a malfunctioning water pump. Some services for your 1988 Subaru GL 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. 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 technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to ensure everything is operating as it should. From the heater core to the radiator cap, we’ll take excellent care of your 1988 Subaru GL at Firestone Complete Auto Care. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Questions About Subaru GL Radiators

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1988 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 the coolant light on my Subaru 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? 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 Subaru GL radiators be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your Subaru GL radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
  • My GL overheated! What can cause that? One of the main reasons your Subaru GL 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 is making my GL radiator sound like it’s boiling or rumbling? Your GL’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!
  • Should I be concerned about rust in my GL radiator? Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Subaru GL can impair its cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even result in complete failure of the radiator. Over time, rust can eat away at the radiator's cooling passages, forming tiny holes or cracks that can affect its operation. To help prevent rust from causing damage, you should stay on top of radiator maintenance.