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car battery replacement in fort smith arkansas

Does Your Chevy Need a New Car Battery?

As with any vehicle, your Chevy will require regular maintenance and replacement parts occasionally. One of these important parts that will likely need replacing is the car battery. Car batteries are responsible for the power to your vehicle, so if it wears out, you're not going anywhere. So, it's important to know the signs that it's time to head to your Chevy dealer for a new car battery before it runs down completely. Photo by: kaboompics via pixabay.com more You're Having Difficulty Starting Your Car If your car is taking a few extra seconds to turn over or if you have to get a jump start, chances are it's because of a low battery. Your Dashboard Lights Are On Your battery light should come on if your battery is reaching the end of its life. And you may also notice your check engine light comes on because the engine may be struggling to keep up with powering the car. Any time you notice lights on your dashboard, especially battery or engine lights, head to your mechanic to get them to find out the exact issue. Your Battery Looks or Smells Strange If you look under your hood and notice your battery case looks swollen, if there is fluid leaking from it, or if it has become a funny color, this is another indication the battery needs replacing. Also, when your battery is almost completely drained, it will often put off a sulfur smell. Pay attention to looks and smells, and have your battery tested. You've Had It for a While Car batteries typically last anywhere from two to five years. This is dependent on if it's exposed to extreme cold or extreme heat, as well as your driving patterns. You can avoid excess drainage, especially in extreme weather, by not using your vehicle for short trips. However, if you're starting to notice some other symptoms your battery is failing, and it's more than a few years old, chances are it's time for a new battery. Your Chevy Dealer Tells You It's Time for Replacement During your regular maintenance visits, your dealer will test your battery along with checking all the other parts on your vehicle. They will let you know if you need a replacement, or approximately how long you have left. At Orr Chevrolet, we take pride in our excellent customer service and work hard to ensure you have the best car buying experience possible. Our knowledgeable team can help you find your ideal vehicle and help you maintain it for many years to come. Stop by Orr Chevrolet today to view our massive inventory, ask any questions, or book a service appointment.

tire rotation in fort smith arkansas

Advice From Your Chevy Dealer: 3 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is an important part of your Chevy maintenance program. Your car tires are subject to wear and tear daily, and this will reduce their lifespan. Tires are expensive, and correct maintenance will allow you to enjoy them for longer. As your Chevy dealer, we want to tell you more about the benefits of visiting us to have your tires rotated. Photo by: Mike Bird via pexels.com more You Reduce Wear Modern tires are made from high-grade materials, but they will still wear out. Rubber gradually becomes less elastic and this makes them more easily subject to damage. In addition, the different tire positions on your car cause different types of wear. If a tire remains in the same position indefinitely, its worn areas will turn into leaks or even cause a blowout. Rotating the tires spreads this wear. Each tire is removed and it swops positions with another tire. The type of rotation we use differs depending on your drivetrain. FWD, RWD, and AWD drivetrains produce different wear patterns. During a rotation, we shift tires from positions of greater wear to positions of reduced wear. This allows your tires to all wear down at a reduced and relatively similar rate. You Save Money Rotating your tires saves you from more frequent tire replacement. After a rotation, your tires will wear down at a similar speed, and this allows you to plan for their replacement. In addition, a rotation reduces potential wear and tear on a variety of other car components, which saves you money on unnecessary repairs. Tires that aren't rotated place additional strain on your braking system, axles, steering, and suspension. When you hit the brakes, for example, a worn tire takes longer to slow down and stop. This increases the pressure in the braking system as you press the brake pedal down even harder. The heat this generates can lead to a warped wheel rotor, metal fatigue to the calipers, or leaks in the brake hoses. Your Car Performs Better Tires that are in good condition have a better grip on the road surface and improve driving safety and fuel efficiency. They enable your car to stop faster and more effectively when you hit the brakes, and this faster reaction reduces the potential for accidents. Fuel efficiency is improved, as tires that aren't rotated generate extra friction with the surface due to their wear patterns. Your engine has to work harder to overcome this resistance, and this means using more fuel. When your tires are rotated, you'll likely notice you have to make less frequent trips to the gas station. There are many other benefits to regular rotations. If you'd like to know more, or to book a rotation, call us at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith.

car battery service in fort smith arkansas

Does Your Chevy Need a New Car Battery

As with any vehicle, your Chevy will require regular maintenance and replacement parts occasionally. One of these important parts that will likely need replacing is the car battery. Car batteries are responsible for the power to your vehicle, so if it wears out, you're not going anywhere. So, it's important to know the signs that it's time to head to your Chevy dealer for a new car battery before it runs down completely. Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio via pexels.com more You're Having Difficulty Starting Your Car If your car is taking a few extra seconds to turn over or if you have to get a jump start, chances are it's because of a low battery. Your Dashboard Lights Are On Your battery light should come on if your battery is reaching the end of its life. And you may also notice your check engine light comes on because the engine may be struggling to keep up with powering the car. Any time you notice lights on your dashboard, especially battery or engine lights, head to your mechanic to get them to find out the exact issue. Your Battery Looks or Smells Strange If you look under your hood and notice your battery case looks swollen, if there is fluid leaking from it, or if it has become a funny color, this is another indication the battery needs replacing. Also, when your battery is almost completely drained, it will often put off a sulfur smell. Pay attention to looks and smells, and have your battery tested. You've Had It for a While Car batteries typically last anywhere from two to five years. This is dependent on if it's exposed to extreme cold or extreme heat, as well as your driving patterns. You can avoid excess drainage, especially in extreme weather, by not using your vehicle for short trips. However, if you're starting to notice some other symptoms your battery is failing, and it's more than a few years old, chances are it's time for a new battery. Your Chevy Dealer Tells You It's Time for Replacement During your regular maintenance visits, your dealer will test your battery along with checking all the other parts on your vehicle. They will let you know if you need a replacement, or approximately how long you have left. At Orr Chevrolet, we take pride in our excellent customer service and work hard to ensure you have the best car buying experience possible. Our knowledgeable team can help you find your ideal vehicle and help you maintain it for many years to come. Stop by Orr Chevrolet today to view our massive inventory, ask any questions, or book a service appointment.

cadiallac auto service in fort smith arkansas

5 Services You Can Always Find at Your Fort Smith Cadillac Dealership

To keep your Chevy or Cadillac in great condition for as long as possible, it's important to take good care of it. Ideally, this means periodical servicing with technicians who specialize in Chevrolets and Cadillacs and love these car makes as much as you do. The following are five essential services every driver needs to have done often, all of which are available at your local Cadillac dealership. Photo by: pexels.com more Full-Service Oil Change Your engine requires regular oil changes to keep functioning well. Under all that constant heat and pressure, engine oil breaks down and becomes dirty. Once every six to 12 months, you'll need to have it flushed out and replaced. With a full-service oil change, your mechanic also checks all the other essential fluids in your car. They'll replenish or replace these fluids where necessary. This includes checking your washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, battery fluid, radiator, radiator overflow jug, air filter, and serpentine belt. Tire Rotation Tires can wear down unevenly due to varying weight or pressure at the front or back of your car. To help counter this and help your tires last longer, you should get them rotated once every six months or so. During the visit, the technician will also inspect your tires carefully for signs of damage. They'll patch, replace, or repair any tire that needs it. It's essential not to neglect your tires, as they really are the legs of your car. Wheel Alignment One common cause of uneven tire wear is slightly misaligned wheels, which can be difficult to detect. If you ever feel like your car is tugging off to one side, veering away from straight lines, then it's likely that one or more of your wheels are misaligned. Misalignment can be caused by a bump against a curb or some other knock that you might not have noticed. If left unfixed, misaligned wheels can lead to worsening handling, tire damage, suspension problems, and other trouble. It's best to have the professionals at your local dealership straighten them out as soon as you can. Brake Service No other part of your car is more important for safety than your braking system. It's wise to have your brakes inspected every six months, or whenever you have your oil changed or your tires rotated. The most common parts of the braking system to wear down are the brake pads, which typically need replacing once every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on your driving style and environment. Engine Diagnostic Even with such a smoothly-functioning machine as a Cadillac's engine, it's a good idea to have it checked for possible problems once a year. It's always better to catch issues early on and get them fixed before they develop into something more expensive and dangerous. You'll be able to get an engine diagnostic test at your local Cadillac dealer, where both computerized and manual methods will be used to examine your engine and other major car parts. To have any of these services carried out on your Chevy or Cadillac by experienced professionals, visit Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith. We have an expansive inventory of new and used vehicles and a dedication to providing everyone who walks through our doors with the very best in customer service.

auto service in fort smith arkansas

How Often Should You Replace Your Brake Pads at Your Chevrolet Dealer?

Brake pads play a vital role in your braking system, as they generate the friction that brings your wheels to a stop. These pads gradually wear down and need replacement. As your Chevrolet dealer in Fort Smith, AR, we'd like you to know more about your pads and why it's important to replace them. Photo by: pixabay.com more How Long Do Pads Last? The pads have a friction material covering that generates friction against the wheel rotors. This friction slows and stops the rotors, and your car comes to a halt. The friction material on the pads gradually wears off as the pads work. Your Chevy's pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles between replacements. Driving conditions and driving habits also influence their replacement time. What Happens If the Pads Aren't Replaced? Worn pads are dangerous, as they reduce the ability of your braking system to stop your car. As pads wear out, your brakes will take longer to activate, and your stopping distance will also increase. These changes are due to the worn coating on the pads. A thinner friction coating also means the calipers and braking system work harder to stop your car, which increases wear and tear. Signs Your Pads Need Replacement Screeching Pads High-pitched screeching noises are a sign that your pads have worn down and need replacement. A new pad is 1/2" thick, and when it reaches 1/4" thickness, it's due for replacement. The manufacturers install a warning sign in the pads in the form of a metal spike. Once a pad is due for replacement, this spike will become visible and will scratch the rotor surface. When you hear this sound, the pad needs to be replaced. Grinding Brakes Pads that arent replaced will continue to wear out. Once the friction material covering has worn off, the metal pads will be in direct contact with the rotors when you apply the brakes. You'll start hearing a grinding noise as the metal pads scour the surface of the rotors. If the pads aren't replaced, they will cause serious damage to the rotors. Glazed Pads Glazed pads aren't necessarily worn out, but they are damaged. This damage occurs due to the pads being in contact with the rotors for an extended period, for example, if you ride your brakes. This close contact smooths the surface of the pads and prevents them from generating the friction necessary to stop your car. Pads are one of the most important parts of your braking system. If your pads show signs of wear, call us right away at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith.

Chevy collision

How to Find a Quality Collision Repair for Your Chevy or Cadillac

Accidents can happen at any time, and your car could be damaged. As your Chevy dealer, we have the technicians and equipment to return your car to showroom standard again. We'd like to tell you more about how we provide the high-quality collision repair you and your Chevy deserve. more Check-In When your Chevy arrives at our repair center, we'll assign one of our Chevrolet-trained technicians to assess the level of damage. As a preliminary step, we wash your car's exterior to remove any traces of the accident and reveal any hidden damage. Our technician will complete a video and written report on all visible damage. This report is used as the basis for the repair plan. Estimate Once the report is complete, we'll provide you with an estimate for the repairs. We'll also answer any questions you have about repairs or costs. If your insurance is arranging the repairs, we'll ask you for their details and send the estimate to them. Our team has extensive experience in working with insurance companies and assessors. We'll assist your insurance company with any information they require. Repairs Once we receive authorization from you or your insurance company, we'll put the repair plan into action. Our parts shop has a comprehensive range of Chevrolet parts, and we can swiftly order any additional parts that are needed. We only use genuine Chevrolet parts to ensure the highest-quality repair for your Chevy. These parts are designed to fit your car perfectly and match all necessary safety and structural requirements. The exact procedure varies depending on the extent of the damage. If the damage is extensive, we'll have separate teams working on the interior and exterior of your car at the same time. Using multiple teams reduces the repair time and allows us to return your car faster. Painting Genuine Chevrolet parts are already primed and ready for painting. Our paint technicians will color-match your car, then paint and seal the required sections. If any exterior sections of your car require painting before attaching the new parts, our technicians will prime, paint, and seal them too. Quality Control Once the repairs are complete, our quality assessment team will review and assess the repair work. All our repairs meet the standards required by Chevrolet for a quality repair. Our repair work carries a warranty, and the replacement parts are guaranteed by Chevrolet. Collection When your Chevy has passed quality control, it will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared for your arrival. We look forward to you seeing your Chevy in pristine condition once again. If you'd like to arrange a repair, call our service department at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith. Image by paperelements from Pixabay

Car air conditioner

Is Your Car AC Not Working? Stop By Your Chevy Dealer Today

Summertime is the perfect time to take a road trip, but what do you do when your car's AC suddenly stops working? Is your car AC not working? Don't worry; we're here to help. Here are some warning signs to look out for when your AC is faulty and you need to take it to your Chevy dealer. more Strange Noises in the Car If you're driving and you hear a noise that sounds like someone is repeatedly running their fingernails down a chalkboard, it might be a sign that your car's AC is on the fritz. These strange noises are usually caused by a build-up of ice on the AC unit's evaporator coils. When the coils get too cold, they can cause the refrigerant to turn into a gas, which makes a loud hissing noise. If you notice this noise, it's best to take your car to a mechanic so they can check the AC unit and make sure it's working correctly. Faulty Air Conditioning One way to tell if your car's AC is not working is if the air from the vents is not cold. It can be caused by several issues, such as a low refrigerant level or a faulty compressor. It's essential to take your car to a mechanic for analysis and repair if you find that the air conditioning isn't blowing chilly air. Foul Odors in the Car Your car's air conditioning system may need maintenance if it emits unpleasant smells. The development of mold and mildew in the evaporator coils is most likely the cause of the foul odor. If you notice this terrible smell, we advise you to take your car to a professional to have the AC system serviced. The mechanic will inspect the coils and clean them if necessary. This process will help to eliminate the foul odor and improve the performance of your car's AC system. Jammed Suction Lines The air conditioner in your automobile is a complex system with numerous components that all work together to cool the air inside the vehicle. The suction line, which draws the refrigerant from the evaporator, is one of the most crucial parts of this system. The air conditioner may not function effectively if this line is obstructed or constrained, resulting in a very uncomfortable ride. A build-up of dirt and debris is a common problem that can result in clogged suction lines. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this post, it might be time to give your car AC a check-up. Contact us at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith, and our team of experts will take care of everything for you. We know how important it is to keep your car running cool all summer long, so don't wait – schedule an appointment today! Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay

transmission repair

Does Your Chevy or Cadillac Need a Transmission Repair?

Most drivers worry about a transmission repair. They believe this type of repair is expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, most transmission problems can be fixed quickly and inexpensively. As your Chevy dealer, we'd like you to know some of the signs that you have a transmission problem. more Damaged Transmission Mount Your transmission is anchored in place by the transmission mount. The transmission is filled with constant movement as your gears change. If the transmission isn't securely attached to your car, the movements in the transmission can shift the whole unit and cause damage. If you start hearing clunking or clanking from your engine, you may have a damaged mount. We check your transmission mount during a regularly scheduled service. On average, a transmission mount needs to be replaced every five to seven years. If the mount hasn't been checked according to schedule, it may have suffered damage. Other possible signs of the damaged mount are excessive vibrations while you're driving or noises when you shift from park to drive. Whining, Clunking, or Grinding Noises Your transmission should operate silently as it shifts gears. This means that any noises from the transmission are a sign that something is going wrong. Whining sounds usually indicate a lack of transmission fluid. This fluid is essential for your transmission. It prevents the transmission from overheating, enables your gears to shift, and protects the components against friction damage. Grinding noises can also indicate a low fluid level, as they suggest friction between parts in the transmission. A transmission has hundreds of fast-moving parts. Damage to one of these parts will affect the whole transmission. Clunking noises suggest that one of your transmission sensors has failed. This damaged sensor is preventing your computer from shifting gears correctly. Leaking Fluid As we've seen, transmission fluid enables your transmission to work correctly. A lack of fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission. Luckily, a transmission fluid leak is generally easy to spot. Transmission fluid is bright or dark red, and it has a sweet smell. You can check for a possible leak by placing a large piece of clean cardboard under your car at night. If there are no marks on the cardboard in the morning, there are two further tests you can try. Start your engine and put your gear into neutral. After a few minutes switch off the engine and check the cardboard. If you don't see anything, keep your foot on the brake and shift into drive. If you don't see any marks on the card you may have a transmission leak into your engine. If you're worried about your transmission, call us at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith.

alternator

Signs That You Need an Alternator Repair at Your Chevy Dealer

Alternator problems aren't familiar to many drivers. The reason for this is that many of the signs that you need an alternator repair can appear to be caused by other components. As your Chevy dealer, we'd like to tell you about some of the problems that can affect your alternator. If you experience any of these problems, we can speedily fix them for you. more Blown Fuse Your alternator is the power generator of your Chevy. It works tirelessly from the time you switch on your engine to produce the electricity your car requires. The alternator, like any other electrical system, is controlled by a fuse. The fuse is designed to protect your alternator from damage by blowing and shutting down the alternator. While this protects your alternator, it can cause problems for your car. A blown alternator fuse will immediately shut off the alternator. If the alternator isn't working, your battery will have to supply power if your car is moving. You'll see a warning on the dash as the battery light will illuminate. A car battery isn't designed to provide all of your car's power, and this will cause your battery to fail. Once we replace the blown fuse, your alternator will work normally again. Flickering Lights Flickering lights are great at a party, but they're a bad sign if they're happening in your car. The lights in your car should maintain a steady luminescence. If the lights start to flicker, this is a clear indication that there's a problem in the electrical system. Two possible causes of flickering lights are an alternator problem or a wiring problem. Electricity produced by the alternator travels to the various components through a complicated wiring system. If any of these wires suffer damage, the power supply will fluctuate, and the lights will flicker. A damaged alternator may also be supplying less power than your car's systems demand. The reduced power supply means electricity has to be shifted between components, and this will cause the lights to flicker. Worn Alternator Belt The alternator belt is one of the most important belts in your car. It connects a variety of different components, including the alternator, to the crankshaft. As the crankshaft turns, the alternator belt moves over a system of pulleys. Its movement causes each pulley to spin, and this powers each component. The alternator belt is made from reinforced rubber, but it can suffer damage. The belt moves at high speed across the pulleys. To ensure your belt is in good condition, we check it as part of your Chevy's service schedule. A worn belt can also lose some of its tension. If the belt becomes slack, it will affect your car's power generation. You may hear thumping sounds from a loose belt or screeching noises from a belt running slightly off track. Worn alternators produce strange problems. If you're experiencing any electrical anomalies, call us right away at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith.

Brake Repair in Orr Chevrolet

3 Signs Your Chevy May Need a Brake Repair

To keep your car's brakes working perfectly, they must be checked and serviced regularly. When your brakes are working correctly, you have the security of knowing that you can control your car's speed with ease. Worn or damaged brakes can put you and your car in danger. These are some of the signs from your Chevy dealer that you're going to need a brake repair. more Squealing Brakes When you apply the brakes, they should work silently and efficiently. If you hear squealing sounds when you mash the pedal, this is a sign of a brake problem. Brake fluid under pressure causes the brake calipers to close on either side of your wheel rotors. The brake pads inside the calipers generate the friction resistance that brings your wheel rotors to a stop. Your braking system is subject to wear, and parts can be affected by moisture from water, mud, and snow. If your brake calipers aren't regularly checked according to your car's service schedule, they can start to rust. Rusted metal is noisy when it moves, and it's also more difficult to get rusted metal to move. The squealing sound can be caused by rusted metal pads or calipers. Our technicians can easily fix this problem. Screeching Brakes Your brake pads serve the important function of bringing your rotors to a stop. They have a friction material covering that is 1/2" thick, and this will rapidly slow and stop your car. The friction material on the pads wears off, and the pads will gradually become thinner. The manufacturers of the brake pads install a warning device in the pads to remind you that it's time to change them. The warning system in the pads isn't subtle. It's a metal spike that is buried in the pad material. When the pads drop to 1/4" thick, this spike is revealed. The spike will scratch against the meta wheel rotor the next time you apply the brakes. This contact makes a loud screeching sound, and it's a clear warning that your pads need to be changed ASAP. Overheated Brake Fluid Your braking system is controlled by hydraulic pressure. This pressure is generated by the brake fluid. When you step on the brake pedal, brake fluid is pumped into the rubber brake hoses. When you take your foot off the pedal, the fluid is drawn back to the brake fluid reservoir to cool. If you ride your brakes, the brake fluid is kept under pressure in the hoses. High pressure generates heat, and the hot brake fluid in the hoses can quickly overheat. If you smell a hot chemical odor, your brake fluid could be overheating. We advise pulling over ASAP and allowing the fluid to cool. Once the fluid has cooled, come into our service department so our technicians can check your braking system. If you have any problem with your brakes, call us immediately at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith. Our expert technicians will find and repair the problem. Image by Ralphs_Fotos from Pixabay

_Ways_to_Tell_When_Your_Car_Is_Having_Transmission_Problems_637606544123383262

7 Ways to Tell When Your Car Is Having Transmission Problems

If your vehicle is experiencing transmission problems, it could be a simple fix or require a costly repair. One thing you can count on, though, there will be symptoms that warn you something is amiss with your transmission. The more quickly you recognize that there is a problem with your transmission, the faster you can take your vehicle to a professional to assess the situation. Knowing which warning signs to watch for can save you stress and money. more 1. Unusual Smells If you catch a whiff of something odd, and you didn't leave your lunch in the backseat for a few weeks, take a closer sniff. A burning smell coming from the engine is a sure sign that something is malfunctioning. If your transmission fluid is low or too old, it overheats and eventually begins to burn. This burning fluid causes your engine to overheat, which causes many other problems, such as premature wear and corrosion. 2. Odd Sounds Beware of a clunking, humming, or whirring, as all three are signs of a problem with an automatic transmission. In addition, manual transmissions that are beginning to have issues will often emit raucous machinelike sounds that are impossible to ignore. Lastly, if a clunking sound occurs while you switch gears, hurry to an automotive professional since that is a telltale transmission warning sign. 3. Check Engine Light Check engine lights should not be ignored, even if it's tempting. Instead, take your car to a dealership and have them run a quick diagnostic scan to make sure the problem isn't with your transmission. While the check engine light may be caused by something inconsequential, it is always better to play it safe. 4. No Response When Trying to Shift Gears A properly working transmission will easily slip into the proper gear. However, if your vehicle is providing no response or hesitating before shifting, something is going on. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and address it before the situation worsens and repairs become more costly. 5. Fluid Leak There are numerous fluids in your engine, and knowing which one is currently leaking is essential to diagnosing the issue. Automatic transmission fuel leaks are relatively easy to recognize. Transmission fuel has a sickly sweet smell and is usually red in color. However, transmission fuel that is long past its prime may be a darker shade of red and smell slightly burnt. 6. Clutch Drag This symptom will only occur in vehicles with a manual transmission. When there is extra slack in the clutch pedal, it is difficult for the clutch disc to disengage. As a result, the clutch remains spinning and cannot transfer power to the drivetrain, making it impossible to shift gears. There will often be a grinding sound that accompanies the dragging clutch. 7. Shaking A healthy transmission shifts smoothly, and often you won't even notice the change of gear. However, if your car shakes during gear shifts, something is wrong with your transmission. It can be tempting to downplay some of these symptoms or sweep them under the rug. Resist this urge, as ignoring these symptoms will only contribute to the problem becoming more expensive to fix and potentially even dangerous. Instead, bring your car to Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith if you experience these or any other concerning symptoms, and let us get you safely back on the road.

Does_Your_Chevy_Need_a_Radiator_Repair_Visit_Your_Fort_Smith_Chevy_Dealer_637589244778035766

Does Your Chevy Need a Radiator Repair? Visit Your Fort Smith Chevy Dealer

Chevy owners in Fort Smith are already making plans to go out and about this upcoming summer. But when auto radiators fail during hot summer day trips, engines fail, and then, no one's going anywhere. With Summer coming, let's review signs that tell you you'll need a radiator repair at your Chevy dealer. more 1. Check Coolant Light Illuminates on Your Dashboard If your vehicle's low coolant light comes on, that is one of the first signs of a problem. Refilling the radiator will temporarily solve the problem, but it will not address the cause. That is because radiators don't lose coolant unless there's a problem. If yours keeps running low, you have a leak somewhere. 2. Engine Overheating When your radiator lacks enough coolant to keep your engine warm, your engine will overheat. Your temperature gauge on your dashboard will move over to the hot side of the display. When that happens, you need to pull over quickly and shut your engine off, or your engine could crack. A properly working radiator with sufficient coolant will not allow your engine to overheat. Your safest option is to have a tow truck haul your vehicle to a service station for repairs. 3. Coolant on the Ground If you have an external coolant leak, it will end up on the surface beneath your vehicle. It will match the color of the coolant you already have in your Chevy. Whatever the fluid's color, you'll need to get something on your vehicle repaired right away if it's on the ground. An external leak doesn't necessarily have to come from your radiator. Leaks can come from any area of your cooling system, including your hoses or the thermostat. Your mechanic will do a complete evaluation of your cooling system to determine the leak's origin. 4. Discolored Radiator Fluid While your engine is cold, open your radiator cap and inspect the color. It should look like a clean green, yellow, pink, or red. However, if it appears brown like motor oil or sludge, your radiator has been contaminated and needs to be flushed out. Then you'll need to identify the source of the contamination. If the contamination originated from inside your engine, you would undoubtedly have costly repairs ahead of you. 5. White Smoke Comes Out Your Exhaust Pipe If you see white smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe, it means coolant is burning off in your exhaust system. That is not okay because coolant shouldn't be in your exhaust system. It is a sign of a potentially much larger problem. Coolant in your exhaust system means you have an internal leak. The cause of that leak could be as simple as a broken gasket, or worse, a cracked block. And you don't want antifreeze inside your engine because it will damage it. Don't delay; address this issue as soon as possible. Visit us at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith to have your Chevy checked and repaired by the best.

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