A car’s cooling system is vital to keeping the engine from overheating. It does this by circulating coolant through the engine block to absorb heat. The coolant is then circulated through the radiator where it is cooled off before being circulated back through the engine.
If there is a problem with your cooling system, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. An overheating engine can cause serious damage. Thankfully, most cooling system problems can be easily fixed with a little bit of know-how.
Common Cooling System Problems
There are a few different things that can go wrong with a cooling system. The most common problems are listed below along with how to fix them.
- Leaking Coolant: A leak in the cooling system is perhaps the most serious problem that can occur. If not fixed, a leak will eventually lead to an empty coolant reservoir and an overheated engine. The best way to fix a leak is to take your car to a mechanic and have them pressure test the system to find the source of the leak. Most leaks can be easily repaired with a simple sealant or gasket replacement.
- Overheating Engine: An overheating engine is usually caused by low coolant levels or a failed water pump. If your car starts to overheat, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Once the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level and add more if necessary. If the problem persists, it is likely that the water pump needs to be replaced. This is a job best left to a mechanic since it requires special tools and knowledge.
- Thermostat Failure: A failed thermostat can cause two different problems: an overheating engine or a cold engine. If your engine is overheating, it is likely that the thermostat is stuck in the open position and needs to be replaced. If your engine is cold, it is likely that the thermostat is stuck in the closed position and also needs replacing. In either case, you will need to take your car to a mechanic since replacing a thermostat requires special tools and knowledge.
A well-functioning cooling system is vital to keeping your car’s engine from overheating. The most common problems are leaking coolant, an overheating engine, and thermostat failure. If you have any of these problems, bring your car into [auto repair shop] as soon as possible so that we can fix it before any serious damage occurs.
