Buick Regal Cooling System Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Most cooling system problems announce themselves well before they strand anybody. On a 2018-2020 Regal, these are the ones worth acting on.

1. A heater that blows cool at idle and warm at speed

By the time this is obvious you are generally replacing more than one part. Start by looking at radiators.

2. Crusty orange residue around a hose clamp or the surge tank seam

This one is usually early, which is good news, because it is cheap to fix early. Start by looking at radiators.

3. A temperature gauge that climbs in traffic and drops back on the highway

This is the symptom people put off longest and regret most. Start by looking at thermostats.

4. The sweet smell of coolant after shutdown with no visible puddle

This is the symptom people put off longest and regret most. Start by looking at coolant hoses.

5. Having to top off the surge tank more than once a year

It rarely gets better on its own, and it usually gets louder before it gets expensive. Start by looking at water pumps.

What to Do Next

GM’s long-life coolant is generally rated for 5 years or 150,000 miles on the first fill and 5 years or 100,000 miles after that. Hoses and the surge tank should be inspected annually once past 80,000 miles.

Engine, tow package and rear-A/C content all change the radiator and hose part numbers. Have the VIN ready.

Ordering is easiest if you have the VIN in front of you. Head to our Buick OEM parts catalog to shop by vehicle, or search for Regal radiators to go straight to a part.