The weather is changing, and although most of us welcome autumn for bringing a burst of beautiful colors and cooler weather, your vehicle may not be as excited for the cold months ahead.
A variety of essential systems make up your vehicle, and one of the most important is its cooling system. When working correctly, the cooling system keeps your engine at the proper operating temperature, which is especially important for keeping it in top condition.
With autumn quickly approaching, now is a good time for you to get your vehicle inspected and ready for winter driving. Let's take a closer look at the vehicle cooling system and four reasons why you should get it checked.
What Makes Up A Vehicle Cooling System?
The cooling system of a vehicle is essentially the heart and lungs of the motor, so taking good care of it is important. Knowing what parts make up your cooling system and why it is vital to your engine can help you understand what should be checked regularly.
A vehicle’s cooling system consists mainly of the radiator and water pump connected to the vehicle's engine via hoses. The water pump circulates the coolant through these hoses to ensure that temperatures are kept under control.
The radiator is usually located on the front of a vehicle's engine. It is responsible for cooling down the heat produced by the engine, turning it into water vapor which then exits out of your vehicle's exhaust pipe. Other components in your vehicle cooling system include:
- Water Temperature Sensor
- Thermostat
- Water Hoses
- Coolant
- Oil Cooler/Sock Filter
- Water Pump
Why Is the Cooling System So Important?
A vehicle's cooling system plays an essential part in your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Not only does it cool the engine, but it also helps to prevent the vehicle from overheating by transferring excess heat away from your motor via water and anti-freeze (coolant).
The Symptoms of a Failing Vehicle Cooling System
Various signs and symptoms accompany a failing cooling system, ranging from a lack of heat in your vehicle's cabin to an engine that keeps overheating.
If you notice any of the following signs, it is essential that you get your car checked by a professional as soon as possible:
1. Engine Overheating
The most common symptom of a failing cooling system is when your car starts overheating while driving, resulting in severe issues. If you notice the temperature gauge soaring, it’s time to visit your local mechanic.
2. Low Coolant Levels
When the water in your radiator gets too low, it can affect how well it performs and lead to an overheated engine. If you notice that the coolant levels in your vehicle are running low, then the first thing you should do is check to see any leaks or cracks in your radiator or hoses.
3. Leaking Coolant
Coolant is critical to your vehicle's cooling system, so if you notice any leaks in the radiator or hoses, this could indicate a problem with your vehicle.
4. White Smoke
If you ever notice white smoke coming out of your engine while it is running, then your engine could be overheating, and you need to get it inspected as soon as possible.
5. Loud Noises from Engine Area
You may notice loud banging and rattling noises coming from the engine when you drive, which could be due to problems with your water pump or a cracked radiator.
4 Reasons to Get Your Cooling System Checked
1. Extend the Life of Your Vehicle
Keeping your vehicle’s cooling system in check can help you avoid repairs. Plain and simple, the best way to help your vehicle stay on the road for longer is by taking good care of it.
If you have a problem with your cooling system, the costs of fixing the issue could be expensive and cause a whole assortment of other issues if they are not sorted out early on in their development.
2. Find Other Potential Problems
Catching minor problems with your cooling system can help you find other issues that you may not have been aware of. Avoiding more significant problems in the future can save a lot of money and time.
3. Protect Other Drivers & Passengers
Being able to spot any issues early on with your cooling system can help ensure that you are driving safely around other motorists by avoiding overheating and potential breakdowns. When you can avoid unexpected problems, you can better protect yourself and your passengers from possible harm.
Plus, your fellow motorists will thank you for not causing a delay during rush hour traffic.
4. Save Money and Drive Efficiently
If you have your vehicle cooling system checked and maintained throughout the year, you can save time and money in the long run. Plus, when your car is operating at its full potential, you can help save on fuel and drive more efficiently.
Protect Your Vehicle Cooling System with Your Local Mechanic
After all, you know what they say — an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
By getting your vehicle checked out regularly by an expert, you can save yourself time, money, and hassle down the line. The benefits associated with getting your vehicle's cooling system maintained are well worth the minimal investment.
Make sure to visit your local mechanic this fall to keep your vehicle running smoothly. An expert can help you find any potential problems with your cooling system and give you some suggestions on what you can do to protect it.
Check with your local mechanic as soon as possible to ensure that there are no issues with your vehicle's cooling system this autumn.
