Why is my car overheating?
Cooling Systems
The engines in many of the vehicles on the road today are smaller than they used to be, as well as being far more efficient. As a result, these engines produce a great deal of heat in a very small space. The cooling system is responsible for maintaining the engine at an acceptable operating temperature.
How do I know if I need my cooling system serviced?
- The temperature gauge on the dash rises into the red area
- Hoses look brittle or feel too soft/too hard
- Belts look frayed / cracked or feel too loose/too tight
- You notice signs of coolant below your car
- Coolant has a dark / brownish color
How does my car’s cooling system work?
Like your body, your car generates a lot of heat. And just like you, it doesn’t do well if it isn’t able to get rid of that heat somehow.
The average human body needs to stay around 98.6 degrees to function normally. Your car’s engine works best between 180-210 degrees.
The human cooling system sweats off excess heat. Your car’s cooling system gets rid of it through its radiator, water pump, coolant, thermostat, hoses, and fan.
The coolant takes in heat generated by the engine. The water pump moves it from the radiator through the engine and back again. When the hot fluid gets back to the radiator the fan and the force of air moving through as you drive dissipate the heat out into the air.
Why should I get my cooling system checked?
Your car’s cooling system is one of its most essential parts. If it doesn’t work, eventually not much else will either. The heat created by a hard-working engine can destroy (literally melt) parts of your car if it doesn’t escape.
So unless you view your engine as disposable, it’s a good idea to keep it cool.
What do we do in a typical cooling system service?
We understand that while most problems with your cooling system are easy to spot, many times they are not. That’s why we check your cooling system thoroughly to make sure everything is working properly before we send you back out on the road of life.
A typical cooling system checklist includes:
- Checking coolant levels
- Pressure testing the entire system to check for leaks
- Inspecting hoses and belts
- Checking the radiator fan and its components
- Flushing and refilling radiator fluids
- Verifying that the thermostat opens and closes properly
You’ve worked hard to have a smokin’ hot ride. We’ll work hard to keep it from actually happening.
Click here to set up an appointment. Or call one of our locations today:
atc Auto Center, Augusta
(706) 738-7812
atc Auto Center, Grovetown
(706) 303-3333
4 tips for a cooler ride
- Coolant Level and Condition. Coolant level is one of the most important elements of a proper working cooling system. NEVER open a radiator cap when the engine is hot! Stop by and let us check your level and see how the fluid looks.
- Good Air Flow. Keep everything clean and clear. Like the radiator being free of debris, and your hoses, water pump and thermostat in good condition.
- Don’t be a stranger. We recommend having your cooling system checked once every year. It’s a process that can save you a lot of money by catching problems early.
- NEVER open a radiator cap when the engine is hot! We mentioned that, right?
Cooling System Service and Repair Near Me
[atc] Auto Center is here to help with your vehicle repair and preventative maintenance needs. We’re the auto cooling system repair experts! Call or visit us today at one of our locations including Augusta, GA, and Grovetown, GA. You’ll discover why we’re the best auto shop in the CSRA!