Is your vehicle’s temperature gauge rising above NORMAL? Are you noticing any leaks? Is your car overheating? These are some of the warning signs that there may be a cooling problem.
With Mooresville temperatures on the rise, now is a good time to have your cooling system inspected before the summer heat arrives. A cooling system failure could cause serious engine damage.
Here are some telling signs that it’s time to visit your trusted Mooresville auto mechanic.
- Check the coolant level frequently – once a week is recommended – and if you find yourself continually adding more coolant, bring it to a mechanic as soon as possible.
- Pay attention to your vehicles “NORMAL” running temperature, and keep an eye on the temperature gauge. At anytime the temperature nears the danger zone and you notice that your car is running roughly or stalls, you see steam or hear a hissing sound, pull over an stop! If your car has overheated, you may have already done major damage to your engine.
When you bring your car in, checks will be performed to make sure your cooling system is functioning properly. Checks include the following:
- visual inspection of all of the cooling system components, including belts and hoses
- thermostat check to make sure it’s functioning properly
- pressure test to check for leaks to the cooling system; including the radiator, water pump, engine coolant passages, radiator and heater core and hoses
- engine cooling fan test to ensure proper operation
- switches, sensors, fan relays and fuse assessments
Remember to check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations about how often to change antifreeze and flush the coolant system. Understanding your vehicles signs that it’s about to lose its cool, may help you avoid costly engine repairs or even total engine failure.
