Summer has arrived and it’s important to make sure that your car is ready for the heat. Checking your vehicle’s coolant system is one of the most important steps to take. If you find that there are any issues with the system, you’ll need to address them before the weather starts getting hot.
In some cases, this will mean replacing the entire system. However, in other cases, it may be possible to correct the issue with a minor repair. Here are a few signs that there’s an issue with your car’s coolant system and what you can do about it.
1. Your Car Frequently Overheats
If your engine actually overheats or if you notice that the temperature of your engine increases rapidly after turning the car on, it’s often a sign that your coolant system will need to be replaced. Make sure that you keep a close eye on your car’s temperature gauge during hot summer weather. If your car begins to overheat, immediately pull over and turn off the engine.
2. You Notice Fluctuations in the System’s Pressure
It’s important to make sure that your coolant system has enough pressure. If you find that the PSI reading has markedly decreased, it could be a sign of a leak somewhere in the system.
Typically, the pressure of your coolant system will be checked when you get a car inspected. However, it’s also possible to check it yourself.
In order to do this, you’ll need to get a coolant system pressure checker. Attach this device to the radiator, which is where the cap normally is located. Next, increase the pressure of the coolant system with a pump until it reaches the figure that’s listed on your radiator cap.
3. You Smell Antifreeze
If you smell antifreeze, it’s usually a sign that there’s a leak in your coolant system. In some cases, it will be possible to repair the leak without replacing the entire system. In other instances, it’s best to replace the entire system. Make sure that you immediately have your car assessed by a skilled mechanic if you smell antifreeze. If all of the coolants leak out, it can damage your engine irreparably.
4. Your Coolant or Other Fluids Are Leaking
In some cases, leaks in the coolant system are caused by a hose that does not fit properly or that has become worn. There may be a crack that can be easily patched. However, leaks can also be caused by widespread, severe corrosion, or your system could be leaking from multiple areas. If this is the issue, it’s almost always best to replace the entire system rather than attempting to only repair the part that’s leaking. It’s also best to replace the whole system if you have patched several leaks in the last year or two.
One important sign that your car’s coolant system will need to be replaced soon is excessive or unusual puddling underneath your vehicle. While it can be normal for condensation to leave a small puddle underneath your car, this liquid should be clear and consist only of water.
Coolant or antifreeze typically has a blue, pink, yellow, red, or orange color. If you see a liquid with this appearance pooling underneath your vehicle, it’s a sure sign that the coolant system is leaking. This means that it needs to be repaired or replaced right away to avoid serious damage to your engine and costly repairs.
5. You Find Rust in the Coolant
Rust in the coolant system is a sign that the system’s pipes have become corroded, and this can lead to leaks. Extensive corrosion almost always will mean that you need to replace the entire system.
In order to check for rust, you’ll need to take a look at the coolant fluid. You can do this by opening up the radiator cap and drawing out a small amount of fluid. If this fluid is a ruddy brown color, it means that you have rust in the system. In some cases, it will be possible to clean the system or simply replace the fluid if you notice this.
However, if you notice that the fluid is discolored despite the fact that your car isn’t due for a coolant fluid change, it’s often a sign that there’s significant corrosion in the system. This typically means that the system will need to be replaced.
6. You See Steam Coming From the Engine
If you notice smoke or steam coming from under the hood, it’s a surefire sign that your coolant system will need to be replaced. Smoke or steam coming from the engine means that your engine has started to overheat, which can be very dangerous if the issue is not addressed immediately.
If your engine overheats, the intense heat can warp cylinder heads, crack the engine block, damage the belts, and even harm the car’s electrical system. This can lead to extremely costly repairs. In some cases, the damage caused by an engine overheating could even cause an accident.
7. You Notice Oil Discoloration
If you notice engine oil discoloration, it could be a sign that you’ll need to replace the coolant system in the near future. That’s because an engine that lacks a proper cooling system is likely to reach extremely high temperatures, which can lead to oil discoloration. Oil discoloration could also mean that coolant is leaking into the engine.
You’ll want to watch out for oil that is light brown. Cream-colored oil could mean a leaking head gasket, which can affect your cooling system. Be on the lookout for oil that is milky or frothy in texture. This could mean that water from the cooling system is leaking into the oil, especially if you’re also noticing white smoke or contaminated coolant.
However, there are other possible causes of oil discoloration, and these include head gasket leaks, problems with the turbo system, and general wear and tear. If you notice that the oil in your engine is discolored, make an appointment with a mechanic.
8. You Realize Smoke Is Coming From Your Muffler
The smoke that comes from your exhaust system should be thin and white in color. Opaque, thick white smoke is a sign that your coolant system may need to be replaced in the near future. In fact, if you notice this issue, it’s important to address the problem immediately. Otherwise, your engine could suffer severe damage, which could lead to costly repairs or an accident. Sometimes, replacing your car’s engine is more expensive than buying a used car would be.
