The cooling system keeps the engine cool by circulating coolant throughout the engine which removes the heat generated by the combustion of fuel inside the cylinders. Coolant is pumped through the vehicle by the engine’s water pump through a series of hoses and cooled as it passes through the radiator. Coolant (also sometimes called antifreeze) used to only be a bright green color, but over the years different vehicle manufactures use different chemical mixtures that are engineered for their specific needs and the colors can be orange, pink, red, blue, dark green etc. It is very important to use the correct coolant type specified by your vehicles manufacturer when topping of coolant.

Some of the most common signs of cooling system failure include: coolant on the ground from a leak, a sweet smell when the vehicle is running, no heat from your vents when the heater is on, the temperature gauge moving up passed the middle of the gauge (different vehicle manufactures may very), also some malfunctioning cooling system components could set a check engine light. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend getting your vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible. Since proper cooling system operation is vital for your vehicles health, at Repair Revolution, we will check your coolant levels and scientifically test the PH and freeze/boil point of your fluid every time you bring your car in for service. If we notice low coolant levels or any other indications of a leak, we will recommend a cooling system pressure test to determine where the leak(s) are. Once we have diagnosed the system, we will call to explain our findings and present you with an estimate and timeline for repairs.

The best way to care for your cooling system is by doing preventative maintenance and flushing the fluid at regular maintenance intervals so it does not become acidic and damage rubber hoses and gaskets and to ensure that the corrosion inhibitors inside the fluid do not break down so they can continue to protect the metal components they circulate through. (See more information on our maintenance page about coolant flushes)

Videos:

Cooling system operation:
https://www.virtualvehicle.com/animation_link.php?num=h3fzthgx2hni
Head gasket leak explanation:
https://www.virtualvehicle.com/animation_link.php?num=dcoiewtsh65k