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Preston, OK Car Consumer Discussions

Re: 06 Chevy Impala/ Heat goes out when I stop [brad38]

by ryster on Fri Oct 31 18:59:57 PDT 2008

One thing you may want to check is the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. Check it when the engine is cold, and make sure the coolant (Dex-cool) is at the cold level line on the reservoir. Low coolant can cause car heaters to be inefficient. I know the coolant level in my '06 tends to drop over time. I have had to bring the level back up several times in the past 2 years...I always keep a bottle of the pre-mixed Prestone Dex-cool handy :)

Radiator/Coolant System

by flaaveo on Thu Sep 18 20:06:21 PDT 2008

I know that you SHOULD pressure flush most radiators every 2 years, and refill with new coolant, of course. The chemicals in the coolant 'break down' around the 2 year mark, so I have always been told. My questions are. (1) Is it still the 2 year mark for flushing the coolant system for the Aveo, or does it have that long lasting coolant in it, that lasts like for 5 years? (2) OR would adding one of those pint bottles of Prestone 'Anti Rust/Water Pump Lubricant' additive, be just as good? I drain out like 1 pint of coolant, so it doesn't overflow, and just pour it in the radiator. It is suppose to replace the 'protective chemicals' in the coolant and help lubricate the water pump and make it last longer. I did use it in one of my Ford Rangers, at the 3 year mark, and the radiator never had any rust develop. I drive so little...I have a 2006 Aveo Hatchback, and it only has 9,700 miles. Does that change the time period to change the coolant and maybe make this an option? Should I spend all that money on an expensive professional flushing? OR spend just $6.00 on a bottle of that radiator coolant additive? Any opinions? I take very good care of my little car. But this is the first 'non warranty' maintenance thing I have had to think about doing, other than oil and filter changes of course.

New Antifreeze

by toyo4 on Sun Sep 14 06:14:44 PDT 2008

I am changing the antifreeze on my 2002 Sequoia. Should I use the Toyota brand of antifreeze or the Prestone Extended Life antifreeze? Thanks

Re: [xostnot]

by norwoodsmn on Thu Sep 11 16:13:28 PDT 2008

Thanks. Maybe it has something to do with why there's no beefed up CRV: apples and oranges? For instance I also noted for '09 Suzuki has significantly strengthened the GV's hybridized unibody/frame. So justifiably proud of being the opposite of what a CRV is in that department, why reverse engineer a soft(er) road version around this innovative chassis, in effect rendering those unique GV virtues redundant? Still one with a somewhat more car like feel to the suspension might broaden the GV's appeal, not that [we] really care about that. On the other hand who says we can't have it all? Seems now Suzuki has most ALL things sufficiently right for '09, (pending a future read on '09 GV reliability stats of course), that their next major engineering target could reasonably be to engineer a more unobtrusive feel to the articulations of the GV's suspension, while still retaining it's full suitability for off road use? Absent that, an all new Nissan Rogue like, glorified station wagon "crossover" with a car chassis/suspension, and this fine new four cylinder under the hood, might be a more appropriate option to fill that sort of a market niche? Have to dust off my old saw and say I still don't understand why a Mate can go walkabout to the store in Aus today, and drive home in a brand new '09 with five speed manual and the low range gear set AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT, while here in the Great White North, Sergeant Preston of the Yukon finds himself left out in the cold with only Nanook the wonder dog for comfort, sans having same even available here [yet]. What's this ongoing delayed gratification stuff, eh Suzuki?! I don't really want to give up a low range, much as I can rationalize about doing it sometimes. Will we have to wait almost a couple of years [again] to have one available here?

Re: 2001 JGC overheating [kchristy]

by rwengr on Thu Sep 11 08:07:50 PDT 2008

It will take patience, but you should be able to find a solution. Not big $ to get started. Excuse me if you have done these already. You may notice an incremental improvement as you do each step and when you get to the end it may be resolved. Or you may find that one of the steps resolves your problem. Spending repair $ on a guess is not cost-effective. First, with engine hot and idling, radiator fan or one of the fans should operate at a high speed. I think it's intermittent. It's operation is not subjective. Do research on how it's suppose to work. Either it works or it doesn't. I had a Ford Ranger with your problem and a faulty fan clutch prevented fan from operating at high speed. Assuming that's not the problem, continue. Safety Note: Make sure engine cools (2 hours) before removing radiator cap. Always wear face and/or eye protection when removing cap. 1) Make sure system was pressure tested. Cooling system operates under pressure to get max effectiveness. Fire your mechanic if he has not done this yet. Replace radiator cap with a new one. Make sure cap pressure rating matches your car. They have to remove the cap to test system, so cap is not part of the test. 2) Remove old thermostat and put it in a pot of boiling water. If it does not open or opens very little, that may be your problem. I would not put it back in until you get system working (unless very cold). Be sure to put a new one in no matter what. 3) Make sure radiator front is clear of all debris, insects, etc. Use a soft brush to clean. Avoid bending the fins. Do not brush across the fins. If it was very dirty that could be your problem. A little fin damage is OK. If you have a lot of fin damage consult a radiator shop. 4) Buy a Prestone backflush kit and purge all old coolant and loose dirt Disconnect reservoir while doing all this. 5)Next, treat it with Prestone Super Radiator Cleaner. You put it in, drive several hours, and then backflush it. Dirt and deposits interfere with heat transfer between the coolant and engine block, and the radiator. Note: For backflush, get a long piece of hose that fits snug into top of radiator so you can direct it into a bucket (5 gal.). Make sure hose pressure is not high. Turn it on slowly and gradually to find the right point. Note: Unless it's freezing I see no need to put anti-freeze back in until you finished all troubleshooting. After all of this, I would be surprised if you didn't see some improvement. If still not working, take it to Jeep dealer. They are expensive, but I would really surprised if they couldn't fix something like this At least you will know you are not paying a mechanic $90/hr because your radiator was dirty. They can put new thermostat in and fill with coolant while making the repair.

Re: Car Care [ateixeira]

by pilot1226 on Tue Aug 26 17:41:58 PDT 2008

Cool, I'll run to Advance Auto and pick up some if they even have it (I couldn't find it on the Prestone website - did you see any good reviews about Turtle Wax ICE?) I usually wax my cars right after it starts to turn to fall, so that puts me about mid Octoberish, and then I'll do another wax after we thaw out in the spring. A funny thing happened within the last 2 weeks I've owned my Sub... Every time my wife and I drive somewhere and she hops out, I pull out the owners' manual and read away... I recently discovered that you can pop the transmission into "SPORT" mode for better acceleration and engine braking... I had no idea this existed and the dealers didn't mention it. I knew about the manual SPORTShift mode and the regular D automatic, but Sport mode is pretty cool, and I like the way the engine backs down when I take my foot off the gas pedal. Oh, I wrote a review for Edmunds' and it's the only one up there for the `09 Legacy. The Limited trim is far more superior than I ever expected it to be when we were considering the SE trim... The dual climate is very nice and the AUTO feature is useful... The hardest thing I've had to get used to is the fact that I can't comfortably shut the door(s) by the window frame, well, because there isn't one. In order to minimize fingerprints, my wife and I have agreed to shut the door via the handle. Can't wait for some inclement weather. About 700/1000 miles into the break-in period, impatiently waiting for the 1001st mile where I can really open it up.