Though the weather may not call for it, you may not want to neglect your car or truck’s cooling system. Though temperatures may have eased it’s important to replace the fluid if needed.
What is in a cooling system?
The engine in your car or truck generates quite a bit of heat. Liquid coolant flows through the engine to collect this heat. The liquid then flows through the radiator using airflow to remove heat from the fluid. The coolant is usually a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. Antifreeze is important to keep the fluid from freezing in cold temperatures. The fluid also has properties that fight corrosion in the cooling system.
What happens to the coolant if I don’t change it?
When the coolant gets old it loses the ability to fight corrosion. Rust and sludge build up inside the cooling system. This corrosion can damage the water pump and thermostat, and it will also plug the tubes in the radiator reducing the ability to remove enough heat from the fluid. A plugged radiator, a worn water pump, or a stuck thermostat can cause an engine to overheat. Possibly doing damage to the engine.
When there is a leak in any of the hoses or components of your A/C, the system is designed to shut down. This happens because the refrigerant levels drop and the system has sensors that kick in when certain low levels are reached. This feature prevents damage to the unit. The cooling system is designed to pressurize the coolant. The coolant is then pushed through the system. When there is not enough coolant in the cooling system damage may occur which can be costly.
How to tell if your vehicle is low on coolant:
- A/C taking too long to cool off. …
- No cool air is blowing through the vents. …
- The temperature is off. …
- Hissing or bubbling noise.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms get your A/C in for service as soon as possible
At G&G Auto Repair we emphasize that routine maintenance is always cheaper than repairs. Replacing the coolant on your car or trucks cooling system according to the manufacturer’s required maintenance schedule is inexpensive, will help you avoid potentially costly repairs, and might keep you from having a breakdown and needing a tow.
