A radiator leak that looks small on the driveway can become a head gasket job by the next exit on Highway 101. Autobahn Service of San Jose diagnoses and repairs radiator and cooling system concerns for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and all Asian and domestic makes, serving San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Sunnyvale, and the greater South Bay.
Our ASE-certified technicians use OEM and OE-equivalent parts and the correct manufacturer-specified coolant. Every repair is backed by our 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Call 408.944.0408 to schedule a cooling system inspection before a small leak turns into engine damage.
Signs Your Radiator Needs Service
- Coolant puddles or drips under the front of the vehicle
- Coolant level keeps dropping with no visible leak
- Engine temperature gauge runs hotter than normal or fluctuates
- Steam, sweet smell, or visible coolant on the engine bay
- Heater blows cool air when set to hot
- Low coolant warning light on the dashboard
- White exhaust smoke or coolant in the oil
What’s Included in Our Radiator Service
- Pressure test of the radiator and cooling system to find leaks
- Visual inspection of the radiator core, end tanks, hoses, and clamps
- Inspection of the water pump, thermostat, and coolant reservoir
- Coolant condition test and replacement with manufacturer-specified fluid
- Radiator repair or replacement using OEM or OE-equivalent parts
- Bleed and refill procedure to remove trapped air pockets
- Verification road test and re-check of fluid level and temperature
Why It Matters for European Vehicles
BMW and Mercedes-Benz cooling systems use plastic radiator end tanks, specific coolant chemistries, and electronically controlled water pumps and thermostats. The wrong coolant or a generic radiator can corrode the system, trigger fault codes, or cause a brand-new pump to fail early. Our team uses the radiator, hoses, water pump, and coolant specified for your vehicle, and follows the correct bleed procedure so trapped air does not damage the new components.
How Long It Takes & What It Costs
A radiator pressure test and inspection typically takes about an hour. Radiator replacement is usually a same-day repair. Larger cooling system jobs (water pump, thermostat housing, hoses) may take longer. We provide a written estimate before any repair begins. Call 408.944.0408 for current pricing.
Related Services
- Cooling System Repair — Radiator service is one part of a larger cooling system that includes water pump, thermostat, and hoses.
- Auto AC Repair — AC condenser and engine radiator share airflow at the front of the vehicle and are inspected together.
- Engine Diagnostics & Check Engine Light — Overheating-related fault codes are diagnosed alongside the cooling-system inspection.
Spotted a coolant puddle or seeing the temperature climb? Autobahn Service of San Jose is located at 527 Charcot Ave, Suite 313, San Jose, CA 95131. Every diagnostic and repair is performed by ASE-certified technicians and backed by our 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Check our current specials and coupons to save on your next visit, or contact us to schedule an appointment. You can also call us directly at 408.944.0408.