When your car’s cooling system works at peak efficiency, you don’t have to give it a second thought. The system works hard through every mile to keep the engine at an optimal temperature.
When the system stops working as intended, however, the dashboard warning lights and other potentially alarming signs will let you know. At that point, you must act fast to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Thankfully, your trusted Manchester MD auto repair team at Ranglin’s Complete AutoCare is here to help. To help you get started, here’s a look at why your car needs a properly functioning cooling system—and what to do if things go wrong.
How Your Car’s Cooling System Works
Your car’s cooling system works by circulating coolant through the engine block, heater core, and radiator. The water pump keeps the fluid moving through the system using its plastic or metal impeller.
When you first start up your car in the morning, the cooling system helps your car get up to its ideal operating temperature by only circulating coolant through the engine block and heater core. Once it gets up to operating temperature, the thermostat opens, allowing the coolant to flow through the radiator as well.
As you continue on your travels, the coolant absorbs heat from the engine and then cools back down while going through the radiator. The heater core also absorbs heat from the coolant, allowing the heating system to warm up the cabin space on demand.
Types of Cooling System Preventative Maintenance
The cooling system in your car needs regular preventative maintenance services to continue operating at peak efficiency. Properly maintaining your system starts with regular coolant level checks. For most cars, this involves simply peering at the coolant reservoir’s side to confirm that the fluid is between the min and max lines.
The cooling properties of the fluid can wear out, too, so it’s not just the levels that matter. To restore the system’s cooling power, get a coolant flush done at your preferred auto repair shop every 30,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on your car’s model. This service will also prevent the coolant from getting acidic and eating away at the hoses, seals, and aluminum parts.
Even with regular maintenance, problems with your car’s cooling system may come up from time to time. The system can develop leaks, clogs, and other problems that require the replacement of key parts, like the hoses, water pump, radiator, or heater core. Your auto repair tech will need to fully diagnose the cause of the issue before making their repair recommendations.
When to Come in for Cooling System Services
When it comes to completing preventative maintenance on your car’s cooling system, it’s best to follow the factory-recommended service intervals. You can usually find those intervals in your vehicle’s owners manual or by talking with a service advisor at our auto repair shop.
As for repairs, signs you may need to come in for cooling system services include:
- Low coolant levels
- The sharp smell of maple syrup
- Coolant visibly leaking out of the system
- Engine temperature dashboard warning light is on
- Steam is coming out of the engine bay
If your car’s thermostat fails, you might also notice your car burns up the gas faster than normal or the heater doesn’t blow warm air out of the vents. A heater core failure, on the other hand, will usually result in soggy passenger-side floorboards.
Any time you notice that your car’s cooling system just doesn’t seem to work right, report the problem to your auto repair tech. They will take the time to track down the cause of the problem and then let you know what repairs will fix it.
Ready to Schedule Cooling System Services in Manchester MD?
Are your dashboard lights warning you about a cooling system fault? Or does your car have any other signs of a cooling system problem? If so, our team at Ranglin’s Complete AutoCare can help.
At our full-service auto repair shop in Manchester MD, our team provides all the cooling system services your car needs to operate at its very best mile after mile. We’re also here to complete any other preventative maintenance and repair services that come up throughout the life of your car.
To get on the schedule, reach us at (667) 314-3910 or stop by 3037 Main Street Manchester MD 21102. We’ll help you find a convenient time and date to bring your car in and then provide you with the ultimate auto care experience.
