Car Cooling System Troubleshooting
Even when you keep up with maintenance and check your car’s cooling system often, things can still become damaged or worn out. If you’re wondering how to tell if your radiator is bad, check for these symptoms:
- Your vehicle is running hot or is overheating
- A fluctuating temperature gauge
- Steam coming from under the hood
- White exhaust fumes
- Low coolant levels
- Coolant is leaking under vehicle
- Decreased/poor gas mileage
If you think something might be wrong with your radiator or cooling system, getting it checked by a professional is important. A trained automotive technician will be able to diagnose the cause of your problem. Here are some of the most common issues:
Radiator Leaks
Leaks can spring up from a few locations in your radiator, including the hoses. Some radiator leak symptoms include puddles of coolant underneath your vehicle or low coolant levels. You might even notice white exhaust smoke, which can indicate burning coolant due to a leak.
Air in the Cooling System
If air gets into the cooling system, it can reduce the system’s ability to maintain the proper temperature and regulate your engine’s performance. Air in cooling system symptoms commonly include rises or frequent fluctuations in temperature. Air in the cooling system is considered to be one of the top causes of engine overheating.
Thermostat Issues
Problems with the car thermostat are generally easy to notice. The gauge reading high or changing erratically are some of the more common signs. You also might notice coolant leaks around the thermostat housing.
Water Pump Failure
Rust can start to build up on a water pump and cause corrosion of the metal, which can create small holes on the pump’s surface. High-pitched sounds coming from the front of the motor might indicate a loose water pump pulley. Coolant leaks can also be a symptom of a failing water pump.
Low Coolant
Low coolant can be one of the main causes of issues with the cooling system. Low coolant signs can include a dashboard warning light on some vehicles, rising temperature gauge or the internal heating system having issues working.
