Coolant Systems

Currently with so many makes and models on the road, it is hard to determine when to have your vehicles coolant system inspected. Coolant deteriorates over time and should be tested to see if it’s still good, as it can be hard to tell just by appearances. The coolant can increase in acidity over time causing it to lose its rust-inhibiting properties, causing corrosion. Corrosion can damage the radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, hoses and other parts of the cooling system, as well as to the vehicle heater system causing overheating and other failures. If the corrosion inhibitors have deteriorated, the antifreeze coolant should be changed.

Its a good indication that you need repair when:

• Vehicle overheating
• Smoke from under hood
• Burning smell while driving
• Antifreeze leak

The cooling system might also need flushing to remove contaminants no matter what the maintenance schedule calls for or how many miles are on the odometer. On the other hand, if testing shows the coolant is still doing its job protecting from overheating and not allowing corrosion, changing it more often than what the manufacturer recommends could be a waste of money.

Tips:

If your vehicle is overheating or smoke is coming out from under hood, dont drive it more than needed to get to a safe place. Call Pro Auto Service Centers in Murrieta and have your vehicle towed in preventing further costly damage.