Maintaining Your Cars Cooling System – When to See the Experts

We have all seen that stranded driver, with the hood, popped up, and steam blowing out in the open. Well, if this was you, chances are you did not properly care for your car’s cooling system. At AAMCO, we hate to see our clients stranded on the road due to avoidable car problems. That is why our top cooling specialists recommended scheduling a regular cooling system service for your vehicle.

The cooling system in your vehicle is an integral part of your vehicle when it comes to having a safe and efficient running engine. This system typically consists of several parts that work together to protect your engine from overheating. One of the most important parts of your cooling system is the radiator. Without all the other components of the cooling system in proper working condition, the radiator won’t be able to function as required. These can trigger a handful of problems with your car engine and the need for extensive repairs.

How Does the Cooling System Work?

Your radiator is one of the main components of the cooling system. Coolant flows through the inner part of the radiator and is used to dissipate the heat from the engine. The radiator fan located in front of the radiator channels air through the metal fins, allowing heat from the engine to cool down. It is accomplished thanks to a series of knobs, pumps, and hoses that channel cool air and coolant through the hot engine block.

Without a properly functioning cooling system, the engine temperature will rise, forcing your vehicle to overheat. Having an overheating vehicle is not only problematic, it’s inconvenient since you won’t be able to drive your vehicle normally, but it is also extremely dangerous. It is due to this reason; you need to make sure your car cooling system is in proper working condition at all times. Whether your vehicle needs a new radiator or a simple seal on the radiator cap, it’s important to ensure your repairs are performed by professional mechanics such as one from AAMCO Minnesota.

Cooling System Top View

Symptoms of a Failing Cooling System

Driving your vehicle with a faulty cooling system is not only dangerous but extremely costly. The following are common signs you need to visit the experts due to a cooling problem.

Overheating Engine

If your car is overheating, and especially if it happens more than once, then there could be something wrong with your cooling system. Your water pump may be faulty, the head gasket could be wearing out, or there could be a leak in your radiator.

Coolant Leak

Coolant from your radiator is very easy to identify since it is usually bright green or yellow. The moment you notice coolant on your driveway, it’s important to have it checked out immediately. Find out the level of coolant in your radiator. You will need to do this when the engine is cool since heat and pressure build up in the radiator when it’s hot, making it dangerous. If you constantly have to fill your coolant, you have a cooling system problem.
Steam coming from the hood

When your car is overheating, or just about to overheat, you will notice white steam coming from under your hood. The moment you spot this, pull over and let your engine cool down. If the problem persists, contact your local mechanic and have your cooling system inspected immediately.

Maintaining Your Coolant System

Maintaining your coolant system is quite easy. All you need to do is perform regular checks and schedule a routine maintenance service with your local mechanic. Make it a habit to regularly check your coolant level and ensure it is at the right level. Also, check your coolant hoses for leaks. Hoses are the worst cause of cooling problems.

A tiny leak could go unnoticed for a long time leading to overheating. When driving, keep watch of your temperature gauge, if the temperatures are constantly fluctuating, your car could be experiencing a cooling problem.

Finally, make sure you schedule a routine cooling system maintenance service with your local mechanic. According to AAMCO Minnesota cooling system specialists, you need to perform a full cooling system service every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every three to five years.

Adding coolant to radiator

What AAMCO Minnesota Cooling System Service

AAMCO Minnesota is the leading coolant specialist in Minnesota; our professional mechanics are exceptionally skilled in car overheating service and maintenance. We also offer a wide range of auto repair services, including brake service, engine tune-up service, transmission maintenance and repair, electrical system service, and many more.

Is your vehicle constantly overheating? Contact us today; our cooling system specialists will get you back on the road in no time.

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