It’s important you take care of your vehicle’s cooling system. Your vehicle’s cooling system is a vital piece responsible for keeping your engine and transmission at a healthy operating temperature. With a faulty cooling system, your vehicle will experience severe overheating that can lead to catastrophic engine damage or complete transmission failure.
Cooling System Basics
Your cooling system works hard to prevent your engine from overheating, or freezing up. The cooling system pushes coolant that is stored in the radiator through passages on the engine block, while being constantly in use at all times, thats why it’s important to keep it maintained properly.
Signs Your Cooling System Needs Maintenance
When a cooling system has a problem, warning signs will appear to alert you to the problem. These are all critical signs for immediate attention.
Overheating Engine:
One of the clearer signs of a cooling system problem is an overheating engine. This could be due to low coolant levels, a failing thermostat, or a malfunctioning radiator. If you notice the temperature gauge on your dashboard rises into the red zone or steam is emitted from under the hood. You should never ignore an overheating engine, as it can lead to severe damage.
Coolant Leaks:
Visible coolant leaks from your vehicle are a clear sign that there is a problem with your cooling system. If you notice puddles of coolant forming under your car, it could be a damaged radiator or a worn-out hose. Coolant is either bright green, orange, or pink. It’s important to address a coolant leak as soon as possible.
Steam From Under The Hood:
Steam rising under the hood is a sign that your cooling system is failing. The steam is usually a result of coolant boiling over, but if smoke is rising instead, this could be a sign of serious engine damage. If you notice this issue happening to you, pull over safely and shut off your engine to prevent damage.
Low Coolant Levels:
If you notice that your coolant levels are consistently low despite topping off after a short period of time, there could be a leak somewhere in the system. Coolant leaks can occur in the radiator, hoses, or water pump.
Preventative Cooling System Maintenance Tips
- Check your coolant level every month and top it off as necessary.
- Inspect hoses and belts for any signs of wear and replace them if needed.
- Ensure your radiator cap is sealed properly to maintain the correct pressure.
- Consider seasonal checks to ensure your cooling system is prepared for extreme temperatures
Cooling and A/C System Maintenance at Arvada
The knowledgeable technicians at Arvada Square Auto in Arvada, CO offer high-quality, efficient cooling system repair. All performed by ASE-certified technicians at our . Over time, the radiator channels might become blocked due to rust or debris. If your vehicle is leaking coolant or overheating, there’s a good chance that the radiator is going bad. You don’t want to put off radiator repair or radiator service, as your engine needs to be kept at a normal temperature to run efficiently and safely.