There are signs that your vehicle’s cooling system is not functioning properly.

The most noticeable symptoms are overheating, leaks, a smell of antifreeze, needing to continuously add coolant, and poor or no heat in the vehicle.

The engine cooling system affects a vehicle’s overall dependability and engine longevity. The key parts of the cooling system remove heat from the engine and automatic transmission and dissipate heat to the air outside. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. The coolant absorbs heat and returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated. The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine operation.

Coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. However you should always consult your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations about how often to change antifreeze and flush the coolant system. A coolant flush and fill is basic to cooling system maintenance as new antifreeze helps the engine run cooler and a flush removes dirt or sediment that could damage other cooling system parts.

Centerville Automotive recommends checking the coolant level with every oil change. In fact, as part of our oil change service our Certified Technicians check and top off all vehicle fluids. We also perform a visual inspection of hoses, belts and the radiator to help identify cooling system problems before they happen.

In addition, the cooling system is also an integral part of how the heating system in your car functions. The heat from the antifreeze is taken into your vehicle through a series of vents and duct work. So keeping your radiator and cooling system in good working order is particularly important in the winter months.