Cooling System: Keep Your Cool

Cooling System: Keeping Your Car’s Cool

Your car’s cooling system regulates the engine’s temperature, preventing overheating in summer and freezing in winter. However, the system can have several issues, especially during extreme seasonal conditions. 

Here’s a look at the standard cooling system issues affecting cars in both Saint Louis’s blistering-hot summers and frigid winters:

Overheating (Summer)

In the St. Louis summer, engine overheating is one of the most common cooling system issues. It can happen due to several reasons:

• Low Coolant Levels: The coolant keeps the engine from overheating, so it can’t perform its job efficiently without enough coolant. You can lose vital fluids with leaks in your reservoir or connections. Always keep an eye on fluid levels and add the proper type of antifreeze specified by the automaker.
• Radiator Leaks: Leaks in the radiator or hoses can cause coolant to escape, leading to an insufficient supply to regulate temperature. Fluid drips are usually a sign of some leak.
• Broken Thermostat: A stuck thermostat that doesn’t open properly can prevent the coolant from flowing through the engine, causing it to overheat.
• Clogged Radiator: Dirt, debris, or corrosion can block the radiator’s cooling fins, preventing heat from dissipating effectively.
• Faulty Water Pump: A broken water pump won’t circulate coolant through the engine, which can lead to overheating.

Frozen Coolant (Winter)

In the winter, one of the most significant concerns is coolant freezing. If the coolant is diluted with too much water or not mixed correctly, it can freeze in cold temperatures, which causes:

• Engine Block Cracks: Frozen coolant can expand and crack the engine block or radiator.
• Clogged Coolant Passages: When coolant freezes, it can block the engine’s or radiator’s flow, leading to engine damage.
• Inadequate Heat: A malfunctioning cooling system can prevent the heater from working effectively, causing discomfort in the cabin.

Coolant Leaks (Year-Round)

Coolant leaks are problematic in summer and winter. They can occur from the radiator, hoses, or engine block and may happen without warning.

• In the summer, a leak may cause the engine to overheat.
• In the winter, a lack of coolant might prevent the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature, impacting fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Heater Core Issues (Winter)

In winter, a malfunctioning heater core can cause cabin heating issues. The heater core relies on hot coolant to warm the air. If it’s clogged or leaking, it can result in:

• Cold Air in the Cabin: The heater won’t blow warm air, making it uncomfortable inside the car.
• Foggy Windows: The windows may fog up without proper heat circulation, making driving dangerous.

Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure (Both Seasons)

A faulty coolant temperature sensor can lead to inaccurate readings of the engine’s temperature, potentially causing overheating in summer or preventing proper heating in winter.

Cooling System Takeaways:

Keeping the cooling system in top condition is essential for your vehicle’s performance year-round. Regular checks for coolant levels, hoses, thermostat function, and radiator condition can help prevent overheating in summer and freezing issues in winter. Regular maintenance ensures your engine stays at the optimal temperature regardless of season.

A radiator flush typically costs between $131.00 and $210.00 in St. Louis.

To maintain your car’s optimal engine performance, cooling system maintenance, including a radiator flush (draining) and replacing the old fluids with new fluids, is recommended.

Replacing the radiator, thermostat, water pump, etc., varies widely depending on the cooling system issues and the vehicle type, and the costs can run as high as $1,000.00 or more.

Cyclone Car Care can diagnose your issue, make the necessary repairs or services, and help you protect your engine and stay on the road. Let’s keep your car’s cooling system, components, and fluids in peak condition.