Radiator · Water Pump · Thermostat

Cooling System Repair in Johnson City, TN

Overheating is an emergency, not a wait-and-see.

Your cooling system is a handful of parts working together, and when one fails, the others usually follow. Our ASE certified technicians diagnose the real cause and stop small problems before they become a ruined engine.

Call (423) 913-3111 Schedule Service

If Your Engine Is Overheating, Stop Driving

An overheating engine is the one cooling system symptom you can't wait out. The single biggest cause of expensive engine damage, including a blown head gasket, is a driver who kept going after the temperature gauge climbed into the red. If your gauge is climbing or you see steam from under the hood, pull over, shut the engine off, and have it towed. Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

How it works, and what fails

The Parts of Your Cooling System

Coolant absorbs heat from the engine, releases it through the radiator, and circulates back around, over and over, every time you drive. Here's what does that job, and what tends to go wrong with each part.

Radiator

Cools the hot coolant coming from the engine using outside airflow. Radiators fail from corrosion, clogging with sludge, or leaks at the seams and core.

Water Pump

Circulates coolant through the engine and radiator using an impeller that's often made of plastic. A worn seal or bearing causes leaks at the front of the engine, and a failing pump is one of the most common causes of overheating.

Thermostat

Opens and closes to keep the engine at the right operating temperature. Stuck closed, it causes rapid overheating. Stuck open, the engine runs too cool and never reaches proper temperature.

Radiator & Heater Hoses

Carry coolant between the engine, radiator, and heater core. Hoses get brittle and crack with age and heat cycles, and a split hose is one of the most common causes of a sudden coolant loss.

Cooling Fan

Pulls air through the radiator, especially at low speeds and idle when there's little natural airflow. A fan that won't kick on causes overheating specifically in stop-and-go traffic.

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Tells your engine's computer how hot things are running, and controls when the fan turns on. A failing sensor can mask overheating on the dash even as the engine actually runs hot.

Coolant Flushes and Ongoing Maintenance

Coolant doesn't last forever. Over time it breaks down, loses its ability to protect against corrosion, and can form sludge that restricts flow through the radiator and engine. A coolant flush clears that out and refills the system with fresh coolant mixed to the right ratio for your vehicle. This is one of the maintenance items covered on our preventive maintenance page, and it's one of the cheapest ways to avoid a much bigger cooling system repair down the road.

Every qualified cooling system repair we perform is backed by our 36 month, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty on parts and labor. We service radiators, water pumps, and cooling systems on cars, trucks, SUVs, and 4x4s, domestic, import, and European, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. We diagnose before we quote, and we never sell a repair you don't need.

How Much Does Cooling System Repair Cost?

It depends on which part failed. A hose or a coolant flush is a small repair. A water pump, radiator, or thermostat replacement costs more. We diagnose the actual cause with pressure testing and a visual inspection first, then give you a real, itemized price, not a guess.

Customer reviews

What Our Customers Say

"Super work, we couldn't be happier. They fixed the water pump, thermostat, and air conditioner on my Land Rover Evoque cheaper than the dealership could do the air conditioner alone. Kept me informed the whole time."

Crystal C.

"Had to have a water pump replaced. It was done professionally and in a timely manner. Will definitely be going back for any automotive repairs."

Anointed I.

"Car broke down at the waterpark with 5 grandchildren. Towed to American & Import and fixed. Very nice staff and service."

Deborah H.

"Handle everything professionally from start to finish, great job. Really pleased with the service and craftsmanship."

Sam C.

Read more reviews on Google: Market Street (700+) · Hopper Road (90+)

Two shops in Johnson City

Bring Your Vehicle to Either Location

Location One

West Market Street

3832 W Market Street
Johnson City, TN 37604

(423) 913-3111

Call Shop Directions

Location Two

Hopper Road

216 Hopper Road
Johnson City, TN 37604

(423) 328-7036

Call Shop Directions

Common questions

Cooling System Repair FAQ

What should I do if my car overheats?

Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it's safe. Do not keep driving or open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Have the vehicle towed to our shop rather than risking further engine damage.

How do I know if my thermostat is bad?

A thermostat stuck closed causes rapid overheating, since coolant can't reach the radiator. Stuck open, the engine runs cooler than normal, which hurts fuel economy and heater performance. An erratic temperature gauge is a common warning sign.

How do I know if my water pump is failing?

Coolant leaking from the front of the engine, a whining noise from the pump pulley, or overheating even though the radiator, fan, and thermostat all check out fine.

How often should coolant be flushed?

It depends on the coolant type and your vehicle, but generally every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Old coolant loses its ability to protect against corrosion and can form sludge that restricts flow.

How much does cooling system repair cost?

It depends on which part failed. A hose or coolant flush is a small repair. A water pump, radiator, or thermostat replacement costs more. We diagnose first, then give you a real, itemized price.

Is cooling system work covered by a warranty?

Yes. Qualified cooling system repairs are backed by our 36 month, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty on parts and labor.

Serving Johnson City and the Tri-Cities

We repair cooling systems for drivers across Johnson City, Jonesborough, Gray, Telford, Chuckey, Elizabethton, Erwin, Fall Branch, Kingsport, Limestone, Piney Flats, and throughout Washington, Carter, and Unicoi counties. See our full list of services, learn what sets our shop apart, or head back to our home page.

Don't drive past an overheating engine

Get your cooling system checked

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, or a simple flush, our ASE certified team will find the real problem.

Schedule Service Call W Market St Call Hopper Rd

W Market St · (423) 913-3111 Hopper Rd · (423) 328-7036