Ignoring routine car maintenance or ignoring minor engine problems will add significant wear and tear on your vehicle and lessen engine life. This is especially true when it comes to the cooling system in your vehicle. Despite the fact that maintaining the cooling system holds such importance in engine performance, 28% of vehicles have inadequate cooling protection. If you can’t recall the last time you had the coolant (also known as antifreeze) flushed and replaced, you fall into that category. It’s time to take care of the cooling system and here’s why…

The cooling system is designed to remove the heat generated when a spark ignites the fuel/air mixture in the engine. It’s a circular process that starts in the radiator. When the engine reaches a certain operating temperature, the water/coolant flows to the engine, removes the heat. The coolant then flows back out to the radiator where the air flowing through the grill cools it down so it can go back through the cycle again. The coolant is designed to keep the engine from overheating and it also protects vital parts within the cooling system from corrosion. When the coolant gets old, it can no longer adequately do its job and you run the risk of an overheating engine, which could lead to a blown head gasket or worse.

Signs You Have a Cooling System Problem

As with any engine component, there are some signs to look for that will alert you to a problem. When it comes to the cooling system watch for these:

• The engine overheats. As mentioned above, an overheating engine should not be ignored. There are any number of things that can be causing the engine to overheat – like a bad water pump, and a broken hose or belt to name a couple. If the engine temperature light warning light comes on or you notice the engine is overheating, safely pull over and call for a tow. Continuing to drive could lead to fatal engine damage.
• You can smell antifreeze when you drive. The smell of antifreeze when driving or right after you stop your vehicle is an indicator of a leak in the system. The smell is caused by the antifreeze dripping onto the hot engine. Like an engine that is overheating, this should be fixed right away.
• You notice antifreeze under the front of your vehicle. If you notice a puddle of coolant under your vehicle, have your vehicle checked out right away. Any time there’s a leak in the cooling system, it can’t properly protect the engine from overheating.
• The coolant level is always low. If you have to add coolant to the radiator on a regular basis, there’s a leak in the system.

Proper Cooling System Maintenance

The cooling system should be maintained as follows:

1. Regularly check the radiator, belts and hoses and have them replaced when they show signs of excessive wear or aging.
2. Replace the drive belt (also known as the serpentine belt) before it breaks. Check the owner’s manual to see when it should be replaced. Our technicians will also let you know when it is prudent to change the belt.
3. Have a cooling system service performed. During this service the old fluid will be drained, the system flushed and new coolant added. This service should be performed at least once every two years. We can also complete a quick test of the coolant to let you know if it can adequately protect.

The simplest way to care for your vehicle’s cooling system is to bring it to Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, New York. We can handle all your vehicle cooling system maintenance and repair needs. Click here to make an appointment for your cooling system service today.