Preventative Maintenance – How can I improve my car’s cooling system?
Keeping your car at proper operating temperature – cooling systems
We’re often asked questions about the cooling system – the system that cools your engine and keeps it at the proper operating temperature. There are two primary aspects of the cooling system:
- coolant
- cooling system
The coolant in you vehicle is the mix of water and antifreeze that circulates through the engine to draw off heat. First, you need to have the proper amount. If you don’t have enough coolant it can’t keep your engine cool.
You also need the right kind of coolant. Different makes of vehicles require different coolant formulation to protect against corrosion.
Finally, your coolant needs to be fresh. Over time and miles, the anti-corrosion additives in the coolant are depleted and the coolant can actually start to eat away at the cooling system parts. Your service technician at John’s Thistle Auto in Ladner can help you with the recommended coolant replacement schedule and make sure you’re getting the right type of coolant.
Now let’s talk about the cooling system components. These will all eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Starting with the radiator, we see them coming into the shop with leaks or clogged with deposits. Depending on the damage, we will clean, repair or replace. We also see radiator pressure caps that can no longer hold the proper pressure. We recommend replacing pressure caps when you change your coolant to avoid this problem.
We see leaky water pumps and hoses that need to be replaced, too. There’s also a part called the thermostat that opens and closes to regulate the flow of coolant. Sometimes they stick open or closed preventing proper operation of the cooling system. It is very important to address these issues quickly as an overheated engine can be very expensive to repair.
Proactive maintenance with scheduled coolant replacement and periodic inspections of the cooling system with give you peace of mind as well as reduce the chance of costly vehicle repairs. Come in or give us a call if you suspect an issue with your cooling system. To book regular maintenance of your cooling system, give us a call or book online.
Call 604-946-6626 or email thistleauto@telus.net or drop by the shop in Ladner at 4892 Elliott Street.
