Is your car overheating or leaking coolant? Don’t panic! Midas has you covered. Just like you regularly change the oil or check your tyres, your car’s cooling system needs love too. This unsung hero under your bonnet works hard to keep your engine at a safe temperature. Midas are the experts in cooling system repairs and servicing for all vehicle types in Australia, from compact cars to SUVs and 4WDs. We’re here to help keep your engine running cool, even in the harsh Aussie heat.
Why Cooling System Maintenance Is Important
No one wants to be that car stuck on the side of the road with steam pouring out from under the bonnet. In Australia, cooling system failures are among the top three causes of roadside breakdowns.
Maintaining proper coolant levels and quality is key to keeping your engine reliable. Over time, coolant degrades and loses its ability to protect against corrosion and boiling. That’s why most manufacturers recommend a coolant flush and replacement every one to two years (depending on your vehicle and coolant type). Regular cooling system maintenance is especially crucial in Australia’s hot climate and stop-start traffic, where your radiator and fans must work extra hard. A little preventative care will save you from overheating on a 40°C summer day or during that long road trip through the Outback.
What’s Included in a Midas Cooling System Service?
When you bring your vehicle to Midas for a cooling system service, our qualified mechanics give it a thorough going-over. Our Cooling System Service typically includes:
- Inspection & Diagnosis – Comprehensive check of all cooling components
- Coolant Flush & Replacement – Draining old coolant and refilling with fresh, manufacturer-approved coolant
- Radiator and Component Check – Examining the radiator, pressure cap, and overflow tank for damage or leaks
- Hoses & Belts – Inspecting radiator hoses and drive belts for cracks or wear
- Thermostat & Water Pump – Testing the thermostat and water pump to ensure proper operation
We leave no stone unturned to make sure your cooling system is in top shape.
Signs Your Car’s Cooling System Needs Attention
Not sure if something’s wrong with your cooling system? Your car usually gives warnings when the cooling system is struggling. Here are some common signs to watch out for (don’t ignore them… They’re serious!):
- Engine Overheating: The temperature gauge climbing into the red zone, a warning light on the dash, or in worst cases steam coming from under the bonnet. If your engine is running hot or overheating frequently, it’s a clear sign something in the cooling system isn’t doing its job.
- Coolant Leaks: If you notice puddles of strange-coloured fluid under your parked car, you might have a coolant leak. Engine coolant is typically green, orange, pink or red and often has a sweet smell. Any coolant leak means your system can’t maintain proper volume or pressure, leading to overheating.
- Frequent Coolant Top-ups: Needing to regularly top up the coolant is a red flag. Your coolant level should remain steady. If it’s always low or you carry a bottle of coolant “just in case,” there’s likely a slow leak or an underlying issue.
- Heater Not Working: Oddly enough, your cabin heater is part of the cooling system. If you turn on the heat and only get cold air, it could mean there’s a coolant flow issue. Often a heater blowing cold is a sign of low coolant level or air trapped in the system (sometimes after a leak).
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. What starts as a small coolant drip or a weak hose can quickly turn into an overheated engine. It’s far cheaper and easier to fix cooling issues early than to replace an engine that’s been cooked. Midas’s team can inspect and diagnose the cause of the symptom and get you back on the road before a minor issue becomes a major headache.
Why Choose Midas for Cooling System Repair?
When it comes to your car’s cooling system (or any repair, really), you want to entrust it to honest experts. Midas has been serving Australians for over 40 years, and we’ve built our reputation on trust, expertise, and that friendly local service you can count on. Here’s why Midas should be your go-to for cooling system service:
Expertise & Experience
Midas is a household name in automotive service, with decades of experience under the hood. There are over 80 Midas Auto Service Centres across Australia, which means there’s a local Midas not far from you ready to help.
Honest, Transparent Service
At Midas, honesty and transparency are core to everything we do. We offer down-to-earth pricing with no surprises, so you’ll know exactly what your cooling system service will cost before we start.
Flexible Payment Options
Midas offers flexible Buy Now, Pay Later options to help you manage the costs. We’ve partnered with leading providers like Afterpay, Zip Pay and others to allow you to get immediate service without needing to pay the full amount upfront.
Stay Cool & Book Your Cooling System Service Today
Your engine’s cooling system is crucial to your car’s reliability and longevity, especially in Australia’s climate. A simple cooling system service today can prevent a major breakdown tomorrow.
Book a cooling system service with Midas today and drive confident, wherever the road takes you!
Cooling System FAQs
How often should I get my car’s cooling system serviced?
It’s generally recommended to service your cooling system about every 1 to 2 years, or as specified in your vehicle’s logbook. Coolant fluid doesn’t last forever; over time it becomes less effective and can corrode parts. Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for your specific model. Additionally, you should get the cooling system inspected during regular services (for example, during a logbook service) to catch any issues early. If you frequently drive in extremely hot conditions, tow heavy loads, or notice any coolant issues, servicing a bit more often is cheap insurance against overheating.
What happens if I ignore a coolant leak?
Ignoring a coolant leak is asking for trouble. Even a small leak will gradually lower your coolant level, and if it drops too much, your engine can quickly overheat. Driving with a radiator/coolant leak can lead to major engine damage, the engine could overheat and blow a head gasket. If you see coolant under your car or must keep topping up, get it checked out ASAP – your engine will thank you!
How do I know if my radiator needs replacing?
There are a few tell-tale signs that a radiator might be at the end of its life. One big sign is persistent overheating or high engine temperatures. If your car is frequently running hot or the temperature creeps up in traffic despite having correct coolant levels, the radiator may be clogged or not cooling effectively.
Can I use water instead of coolant in my radiator?
Plain water alone is not a proper substitute for coolant in your radiator, except in a true emergency and only for a short period. While water can help with cooling to a degree, it lacks the critical additives found in engine coolant (antifreeze). Coolant (a mix of antifreeze and water) raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point of the liquid, and it contains corrosion inhibitors to protect the engine’s metal parts. If you only use water, especially in the long term, you risk corrosion inside the engine and radiator, mineral deposit buildup, and a lower boiling point (100°C) which might not be sufficient on a hot day, meaning the water could boil away and cause overheating.
