Make sure your vehicle's cooling system is ready for summer's heat

June 6, 2025

Get your vehicle road trip-ready with a cool-headed approach to summer maintenance.

As the temps start to climb and those long-awaited summer road trips get penciled into your calendar, it’s time to give your vehicle some serious attention—starting with the cooling system. This unsung hero under your hood does the critical job of keeping your engine at the right temperature, even when the pavement’s sizzling and the traffic is crawling.


How Your Cooling System Works

Your engine generates an incredible amount of heat while running—far more than it can handle on its own. That’s where the cooling system comes in. Here's a quick breakdown of the main components:


Coolant (antifreeze) circulates through the engine, absorbing heat.

The radiator transfers that heat from the coolant to the air outside.

The thermostat regulates coolant flow based on temperature.

The water pump keeps the coolant moving through the system.

Hoses connect it all together and help move coolant where it needs to go.


When all these parts are working in harmony, your engine stays within a safe operating temperature.


What Happens When It Overheats?

If the cooling system is compromised—due to old coolant, a cracked hose, a stuck thermostat, or a tired water pump—your engine is at risk of overheating. That can lead to:


  • Blown head gaskets
  • Warped engine components
  • Complete engine failure


In other words, the kind of damage that turns a weekend road trip into a stranded-on-the-shoulder nightmare.

Coolant guage

Why a Cooling System Flush Matters

Coolant doesn’t last forever. Over time, it breaks down, becomes diluted, and loses its ability to protect your engine. It can also corrode your radiator and clog up narrow passages in the system.Flushing out old coolant and replacing it with fresh fluid:

Helps prevent overheating

Protects your radiator, water pump, and thermostat

Ensures proper antifreeze levels (yes, even in the summer!)


At Magic Lube & Rubber, we recommend having your cooling system checked before the heat hits full blast. We’ll inspect hoses, test coolant quality, check for leaks, and make sure your system is ready to handle summer miles with ease.


Heading on a Road Trip?

Before you pack the snacks and create the playlists, let us give your vehicle a quick cooling system check-up. It's one of the simplest ways to avoid breakdowns, protect your engine, and keep the good vibes rolling.


Reserve your service today and let your engine chill while you thrill this summer.


Owner | Automotive Magic - Kenvil, NJ | Magic Lube and Rubber - Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003. 


In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business. 


Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.

Book an Appointment Now
October 24, 2025
Community — that’s what it’s all about.
By Heidi Robertson October 23, 2025
After the Women’s Car Care Clinic, guests joined Lourdes of the Vine for a fun wine tasting with prizes, laughter, and learning.
By Heidi Robertson October 19, 2025
What a fantastic day we had at our recent Women’s Car Care Clinic! The turnout was incredible — a full room of women eager to learn, ask questions, and get hands-on with their vehicles. The energy was contagious from the start. Brendan led the group with his signature mix of patience and passion, breaking down the basics of car care in a way that made everyone feel comfortable and confident. From checking oil levels and understanding filters to learning about tire maintenance and warning lights, participants were eager to dive in and see for themselves how things work under the hood. It wasn’t long before everyone was getting involved — tools in hand and questions flying. And of course, no workshop would be complete without a few laughs. Somewhere along the way, the tables turned when the group discovered that I — Heidi — was a bit overdue for my own oil change and running low on oil. I caught some good-natured teasing for that one! But honestly, it perfectly proved the point we were trying to make: life gets busy, and even when you work at an awesome repair shop, car maintenance can slip your mind. The goal of this event was to make car care less intimidating and more empowering — and it did just that. Attendees left with new skills, better awareness, and the confidence to take charge of their vehicle’s upkeep. To keep things lively, Will wrapped up the session with a Car Care Quiz, testing everyone’s newfound knowledge. There were lots of laughs and a little friendly competition, especially as he handed out prizes like baseball caps from our vendors and ice scrapers — perfect timing for the chilly months ahead. We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout or a more enthusiastic group. Thank you to everyone who joined us for making it such a fun and inspiring day! Stay tuned for part two — after the learning came a little relaxation and connection, with a wine tasting that wrapped up the day beautifully.
October 13, 2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By Magic Lube and Rubber October 7, 2025
Optimize your vehicle's performance with expert alignments at Magic Lube & Rubber in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Precision and expertise await. Schedule an appointment today!
October 1, 2025
🍂 October has a way of slowing us down in the best way. The air is crisp, the trees around Lake Hopatcong are dressed in gold and crimson, and weekends are filled with apple picking, pumpkin patches, and cozy bonfires. It’s a season that makes us appreciate comfort—and that goes for driving, too. This month also happens to be Car Care Awareness Month, a reminder from the Car Care Council that seasonal changes are the perfect time to check in on your vehicle’s health. Just like pulling out sweaters and winterizing your home, your car deserves a little seasonal prep so you can enjoy the road ahead with peace of mind. Why a Fall Health Check is Essential Fall driving is beautiful, but it also comes with unique challenges. Wet leaves on the road can be as slick as ice. The sudden drop in temperatures can deflate tires faster than you’d expect. And shorter days mean you’ll rely more on headlights and wipers than during the long summer evenings. That’s why our fall vehicle health check at Magic Lube & Rubber covers all the essentials: Brakes – So you can stop confidently, even on damp, leaf-covered roads. Tires – We check tread depth and pressure, keeping you safe when the mercury drops. Fluids & Filters – Oil, coolant, and other fluids keep your engine healthy through the season. Battery – Cold weather is tough on weak batteries, so we make sure yours is up to the task. Wipers & Lights – Visibility is safety. We’ll make sure you can see and be seen as nights come earlier. The Comfort of Preparation Think of a health check as one less thing on your mind when you’re driving to a Sunday football game, taking a scenic ride along the lake, or just running errands. A quick investment in care today means avoiding the stress of an unexpected repair tomorrow. Our customers often tell us how reassuring it feels to know their car is “winter-ready.” That peace of mind lets you enjoy fall for what it is—a season to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Make It Part of Your Routine Just like carving pumpkins or swapping out your wardrobe, a fall health check should become a seasonal habit. It’s simple, it’s smart, and it keeps you and your family safe on the road. At Magic Lube & Rubber, we believe car care is really about people care. We’re here to make sure you spend less time worrying about your car and more time enjoying everything this season has to offer. 🍂 Schedule your fall health check today and drive into autumn with confidence.
September 18, 2025
Get 15% back on NAPA purchases and 6 months financing with your NAPA credit card. Stop by Magic Lube & Rubber today!
September 10, 2025
At Magic Lube & Rubber , caring for cars is what we do every day—but caring for our community is what drives us. That’s why, for the second year in a row, we’re proud to participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign this September and October. This nationwide initiative brings independent repair shops together with one shared mission: to help fund lifesaving breast cancer vaccine research at the Cleveland Clinic . With the help of our supportive partner, AB&S Automotive Parts Distributors , and shops across the country, every brake job we perform this fall will make a difference.
By Magic Lube and Rubber September 9, 2025
Comprehensive vehicle inspections at Magic Lube & Rubber in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Ensure your car's safety and performance. Schedule an online appointment now.
September 3, 2025
Looking for new tires? Now is the perfect time to upgrade. At Magic Lube & Rubber in Lake Hopatcong, we’re excited to bring you an exclusive General Tire promotion this fall. From September 1, 2025, through October 31, 2025, you’ll receive a $100 General Tire Prepaid Mastercard® by mail when you purchase a set of four qualifying General Tires. Whether you’re heading out on weekend lake adventures, tackling rough terrain, or making sure your daily commute is safe, General Tire has you covered with dependable performance and long-lasting durability. Qualifying Tires for the $100 Rebate: AltiMAX 365 AW AltiMAX Arctic 12 Grabber APT Grabber Arctic Grabber Arctic LT Grabber A/T Sport Grabber A/T Sport W Grabber A/TX Grabber HD Grabber HD Van Grabber H/T Grabber HTS Grabber HTS 60 Grabber UHP Grabber X3 Why Choose General Tires? General Tires are built to deliver confidence on every road. From the all-season AltiMAX series to the rugged Grabber line designed for heavy-duty work and off-road performance, you’ll find the perfect match for your vehicle and driving needs right here at Magic Lube & Rubber. Don’t Miss Out! This rebate is only available for a limited time, so don’t wait. Visit us at Magic Lube & Rubber in Lake Hopatcong before October 31, 2025, and let our team help you choose the right set of tires. 👉 Call us today at (973) 663-4472 or schedule your appointment online. And while you’re here, be sure to ask about our Tire Protection Plan for added peace of mind and long-term savings.
More Posts