About a week after having my timing belt replaced, I noticed my Lexus' thermostat was on H. A few seconds later, I saw smoke coming from the hood. I turned the car off, popped the hood, and noticed that some coolant had splashed everywhere and made a little mess. The coolant reservoir was just about empty. I towed it back to the shop.
About a year ago, the same shop replaced the alternator on my wife's 2008 Matrix S, and a couple of days later her car ran hot and stopped. The shop admitted fault and had to replace the radiator.
Could this be the same mistake? If so, how is this happening?
207,000+ miles on the Lexus and she still looks BEAUTIFUL (like your wife's car!), leather is still in amazing condition, and she still runs and rides like a charm!
Did he forgot to tight the radiator cap?
For peace of your mind, check the headgasket leak situation using the kit.
@yaser
Update: shop said it was a bad thermostat. Paid to have it replaced. Drove it home, popped the hood, and noticed coolant still leaking from reservoir tank. Drove it right back to the shop. Will update!
@ jaymesgrant Find another shop that does a good job. This shop does not what's he doing.