Avoid Cooling System Repair
How cooling system works in a car involves the use of coolant or antifreeze which prevents boiling points and freezing temperatures in your car which can affect the parts of your system from performance and overheating. It also works with your heating and cooling and can regulate cabin temperatures for comfort as well. It’s important to realize that the cooling system in automobile differs than that with your home or business and have more limited capabilities in comparison. Yet to be fair in that regard it does do the basic job of proving comfort. In order to maintain the performance and integrity of your car’s engine and system, it’s important to stay on top of your coolant levels and vehicle’s standard maintenance requirements so you can avoid the headache of cooling system repair. Here is some information regarding your cooling system that may be of help for your vehicle’s longevity.
Cooling System vs Air Conditioning
A cooling system involves the cooling of air while making it more humid which in turn only cools the air by a few degrees from the ambient temperature. This type of system would better be used in places where the moisture content is less with dry heat as places with high humidity won’t allow this system to be as effective. With an air conditioner, there is more control in variability as it can produce both heating and cooling functions higher or below ambient temperature. An AC has the added benefit of controlling humidity for comfort as well as conditioning the air which makes it good for any climate be it if it’s naturally dry or humid.
How often should I put coolant in my car?
Typically it’s recommended to change your coolant in your car every 30,000 miles, yet your car’s owner’s manual will give you more relevant specifications based on the make and model of your car. Due to upgrades in car technology and parts, some have improved systems that won’t need a coolant change until after the first 60,000 miles while others can even wait as high as 120,000 miles! As of such, many service shops may recommend that you should do it more often than the maintenance schedule recommends such as every 30,000 or 50,000.
What happens if you dont change coolant?
It’s important to note that your coolant will actually deteriorate over time and no longer help in preventing rust buildup as it’ll by then become acidic. You can simply test to see if it’s still good with test strips that measure acidity. As of such, corrosion with rust can be damaging to the radiator, thermostat, water pump and other parts of the cooling system so it’s important to have your coolant tested at about 50,000 miles. A car inspection will allow you to catch onto the signs of rust, acidity and cooling and boiling points (with a hydrometer) before potential issues develop and impact your system to where you’d need cooling system repair.
How much does it cost to fix a cooling system?
Cooling system repair prices will range depending on the heating and cooling system that you have, the make and model of your car and the extent of damages from neglect. As of such, cooling system repair cost typically cost around $100 if no other parts of your car were affected by neglect and overheating.
What are the signs of low coolant?
Be sure to keep up with the signs that your coolant is low in order to avoid cooling system repair. With higher than normal car temperatures you may start to see the needle indication or digital display start to reach a red zone which indicates low coolant levels. Your coolant is what will keep your radiator from overheating and causing problems with your car so it’s important to keep watch of the temperature gauze meter whenever you’re driving. You may even see a light pop up on your dashboard of wavy lines which point to the coolant levels and temperature of your vehicle. In hotter weather, your car has more immediate potential to overheating as the surrounding air is hotter than normal so be aware during that season as well. When white smoke comes out of the hood of your car this means that your antifreeze has mixed into the fuel supply or that your engine is now overheating from an issue with the coolant system. Any trouble with the coolant can affect the heater as well since coolant passes through its core through valves. So if there’s a block with the coolant say with leaves or a leak then this can lead to the heater not responding as well. A coolant leak can occur inside or outside of the engine and can be seen by leaving a trace on the road that is either pink, orange or green. Since the leaked fluid is toxic be sure to clean it from your floors if near your home so kids and pets are safe. As of such, when you’re in your car or around it you may be able to smell something sweet when a leak occurs. Finally, your engine light is a good indication as any that there are abnormalities with your engine and other parts of your car’s system that makes it operable.
Signs You Need Cooling System Repair
- Low Coolant Levels
- Visible Coolant Leak
- Sweet Smell Indicating Leak
- White Exhaust Smoke
- Overheating
- Rising Temperature Gauge
- Engine Light
Can you drive a car without coolant?
Your car can still be operable without coolant for a while up to the point where the radiator and engine overheat and fail. Damages won’t be immediate in some cases yet your engine will be working in overtime which will lead to premature wear. Therefore in order to not risk damaging other parts and risking high replacement costs try to stay on top of low coolant level indications and signs. Coolant car service is relatively low and can even be grouped with an oil change if desired. Avoid the headache of auto repair and keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance periodically!
If you need help with a cooling system repair in Schaumburg, IL call 847-895-9131 with Express Auto Repair & Emissions!