| Your car's engine generates enough heat to destroy itself. That's why your cooling system is so important. It protects against damage by operating the engine within a narrow temperature range of about 190 to 220 degrees F. Achieving this was a real challenge in the early days of automobiles. Even though the engineering in today's engines is light years ahead, regular checks and maintenance are still needed to protect those vulnerable engine parts. |
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When we suspect a
leak, we pressure test
the system to make
sure it's holding
adequate pressure. |
Here's what's involved when we check your cooling system:
- We check condition of water pump. These pumps circulate the coolant through the radiator to control the temperature of your engine. A faulty water pump can cause overheating and breakdowns.
- We inspect your radiator for leaks, corrosion, and sediment. The small pipes inside can become clogged over time. When this happens, it is less efficient at cooling and can cause overheating that leads to stalls.
- We make sure you have plenty of coolant. Caution: never open or remove pressure cap when engine is hot. This can cause serious burns.
- We look for leaking hoses and connections and we tighten any loose clamps. Since the cooling system is pressurized, leaks will compromise its performance.
- When we suspect a
leak, we pressure test
the system to make
sure it's holding
adequate pressure.
- We check the condition of the radiator pressure cap and replace it if the rubber gasket is damaged.
- We check the operating temperature range. If your engine runs too cool the thermostat is probably at fault and should be replaced. When an engine runs cool, fuel consumption goes up because temperature sensors tied to the engine computer hold the engine in warm-up mode.
- We inspect condition of hoses even when your system is holding pressure. Cracked, mushy or otherwise deteriorated hoses should be replaced before they cause a leak.
- We check belts for wear and tension. The automatic spring loaded tensions in newer cars can go bad too. When belts show signs of wear, we replace them. Their normal usual life is about 4 years.
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When we spot a cooling system problem, we can handle it efficiently and effectively. If you are out on the road and notice a problem with your cooling system, here are some important tips to remember:
Be patient and let your engine cool before opening the radiator cap. Pouring cool or cold water over the radiator or engine is not a good idea. The sudden cooling can easily damage your engine.
As a general rule, we recommend that you have your cooling system serviced between 30,000 - 40,000 miles. It's also a good idea to check it before a long trip.
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