Your vehicle's cooling system is responsible for regulating the temperature of your engine by constantly providing it with coolant. If it's not functioning properly, it can lead to serious engine damage, mainly caused by overheating. This means that the repair bill will be quite large. Don’t worry because we will give you five easy ways to spot a failing cooling system before it causes a lot of damage.
1. Engine Overheating
The most obvious sign of a failing cooling system is engine overheating. If your engine temperature gauge is higher than normal (or the oil pressure gauge), it means that the temperature inside the engine is rising. This will cause quite a lot of problems if not taken care of ASAP.
2. Leaking Coolant
The radiator is made out of thin metal which makes it prone to punctures and leaks. Another common issue is with the pipes in the system - they also tend to leak. Make sure you check the driveway for any puddles of coolant and the coolant level when the engine is not running and is cold.
3. Strange Smells
While the coolant itself, which is most commonly water, won't have an odor, additives like antifreeze, on the other hand, will. If your engine block leaks, coolant in the engine will start to evaporate; therefore there will be a smell. If you notice a weird smell coming out of your engine bay, make sure you visit a repair shop ASAP.
4. Low Coolant Levels
If you find yourself refilling the coolant more often than usual, the problem might be somewhere along the system. Anything from leaks to the engine burning coolant can be the cause, so we advise you to reach out to a professional and get it checked.
5. Unusual Engine Noises
A failing cooling system can also cause unusual engine noises, such as a grinding or bubbling sound. This can be caused by air bubbles in the coolant system, which prevent the coolant from circulating properly. Grinding can be heard when the engine isn't cooled and starts to burn oil - resulting in no lubrication between the parts.
And for any vehicle-related problems, including the ones listed above, make sure to visit us at Central Automotive Service Center! Our team will be happy to help out and get you back on the road ASAP!