Is Your Car's Cooling System Ready for Summer?

Is Your Car’s Cooling System Ready for Summer?

April 27, 2021

You don’t want your car’s cooling system to break down during the height of summer. Many people think that the air conditioning is part of a car’s cooling system, but this isn’t the case. The purpose of a car’s cooling system is to keep the engine from overheating.

Taking care of your car’s cooling system, even when not in use, will help ensure it works properly during the summer. This means maintaining all components of your vehicle and having routine checkups done at a local auto repair shop.

If you’re an Everett, WA resident wondering if your cooling system is ready for summer, read on. We will cover ways to properly maintain your cooling system as well as possible issues to watch out for.

What is the cooling system?

Several components make up the cooling system in your vehicle, including the radiator, combustion chambers, a water pump, a thermostat and a fan. Coolant cycles through several of these components to keep the engine from overheating. Overheating can cause major damage to your car, leaving it beyond repair in some cases.

How to check your cooling system

There are several ways to check if your cooling system is working properly. One of the first things you’ll want to check is the temperature gauge in your car. The temperature gauge is located in your dashboard near the gas gauge, and usually features the letters “H” and “C.” Some temperature gauges feature a red square on one end and a blue square on the other.

Most vehicles should run at a temperature of between 195 degrees and 220 degrees, which would leave the temperature gauge somewhere in the middle. If your gauge is closer to the “H” or red square, though, it could mean the vehicle is beginning to overheat.

It’s also a good idea to check your vehicle’s coolant levels. You do this by finding the radiator cap, removing it and seeing if there is coolant present. There are several safety concerns when it comes to checking your coolant, so this is a task often best left to professionals.

Cooling system issues to look out for

There are several common issues that cooling systems can experience over time. Thermostats can break, leaving you unaware of whether your car is overheating or not. The thermostat is usually located near your vehicle’s radiator, and can get clogged with gunk sometimes.

Another common issue with cooling systems is radiator leaks. This is sometimes marked by a pool of liquid collecting under your vehicle. There are several things that can cause a radiator leak, including rust, debris, excessive heat and more. If you think your vehicle may have a radiator leak, it’s best to visit an auto repair shop right away. This can prevent a small issue from becoming a major one.

Checking whether your cooling system is ready for summer is best done by bringing your vehicle to an Everett, WA auto repair shop. Come by Auto Truck Service Inc. today to have one of our experts check out your cooling system.

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