Unless you live in Death Valley, you really don’t hear much any more about cars overheating. That’s because cooling systems in vehicles have been much improved. That doesn’t mean you can’t overheat your late model vehicle engine, though. Without proper preventive maintenance, you could still find yourself on the side of the interstate in Washington DC waiting for your late model vehicle engine to cool down.
What Happens When You Get Your Cooling System Serviced?
When you service your cooling system at Metro Motor, your tech will check the condition of the coolant. It can become corrosive over time, which can damage a radiator — leading to an overheated engine. Changing the coolant periodically is good car care. Your late model vehicle owner’s manual can give you guidelines on how often to replace it.
If your engine overheated, your dedicated service specialist will also check your coolant system for leaks. Check the late model vehicle radiator for cracks and the radiator hoses for leaks. He’ll also check your water pump. They don’t need to be replaced on a regular schedule, but they do need a diagnostic examination regularly. They can and do wear out.
The Cooling System Needs a Water Pump
The water pump is a critical component of your late model vehicle cooling system. It pumps the coolant to keep it circulating through the engine. The coolant is cooled in the radiator, then it travels through the engine, where it absorbs heat, then it returns to the radiator, where it releases the heat. And so on. But a water pump is something of a misnomer. The fluid pumped through your late model vehicle cooling system is not just water. It also contains coolant, which is actually poisonous. You should never consider your radiator as an emergency water supply.
There are many types of coolant. It varies from vehicle to vehicle, and using the wrong kind could damage your engine. Your service specialist will know which kind your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. The team of automotive professionals at Metro Motor is always a good source for auto advice. We’ve been providing quality automotive services at our convenient locations in Washington DC for decades.
And Finally, the Inspection
Keeping your cooling system in good repair will help keep your engine running well, and keep you out of the repair shop. This means that a regular cooling system inspection should be on your schedule for routine preventive maintenance of your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often you need to do this. It varies depending on what kind of car you drive, what type of driving you do and where you live in DC.
At Metro Motor, we help you keep your cool which will keep you in the driving lane.
Vehicle care information made available by Metro Motor is presented as helpful advice for general maintenance and should not be construed as instructions for at-home vehicle service. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual and a licensed, professional mechanic for diagnostics and repair.