You hop in your car, ready for another day on the road. Maybe you’ve got errands to run, or you’re heading into the mountains for the weekend. But then, you notice your engine temperature gauge creeping a little too high. Or worse, steam billowing from under the hood.
Sound familiar?
Your car’s cooling system is one of the most vital (and often overlooked) systems under the hood. It keeps your engine at just the right temperature—not too hot, not too cold—so it can run smoothly and efficiently.
And when something goes wrong? You’ll feel it. Fast.
Let’s talk about how to know when your car’s cooling system needs a check. And why it matters.
What Does Your Car’s Cooling System Do?
What do you think of when you hear “cooling system?” You might think “air conditioner”, but it’s more than that. The cooling system’s job is simple: it keeps your engine from overheating. But to do that, it relies on a network of parts working together:
- Coolant (Antifreeze): Circulates through the engine, absorbing heat.
- Radiator: Transfers heat from the coolant into the air.
- Thermostat: Regulates the flow of coolant based on engine temperature.
- Water Pump: Keeps coolant moving through the system.
- Cooling Fans and Hoses: Help distribute airflow and direct coolant flow.
If any part of this system fails, it puts your entire engine at risk. That’s why a cooling system check should never be skipped, especially here in Colorado, where temperature swings and elevation can add even more pressure.
Signs Your Car Might Need a Cooling System Check
Your Temperature Gauge Is Reading High
That little gauge on your dashboard isn’t just for show. It gives you real-time info on engine temperature. If the needle climbs above the halfway mark consistently, it’s time to take notice.
A gauge creeping into the red zone can indicate low coolant levels, a failing thermostat, a clogged radiator, or a bad water pump. Don’t ignore it. Overheating can cause engine warping or a blown head gasket.
You Notice Coolant Leaks
Coolant is usually bright green, orange, or pink, and it smells a bit sweet. If you see puddles under your car or around the engine bay, it could be leaking from a cracked hose, radiator, or water pump.
Leaks are one of the most common signs we see at our Denver shop. Even a small drip can lead to a big problem if the coolant level gets too low.
You Smell Something Sweet or Burnt
That sweet, syrupy smell under your hood isn’t a treat. It’s a red flag. It usually means coolant is leaking onto a hot engine part and burning off. Burnt smells can also signal overheating, especially if the coolant isn’t flowing properly through the radiator or thermostat.
Either way, a smell like this means it’s time for a check.
You Spot Steam or Smoke
If steam is coming from under the hood, pull over immediately. This is a sign your car is overheating, and your engine is at risk.
Let the car cool down completely before attempting to check anything under the hood. Then call a trusted mechanic. Driving while overheating can cause permanent damage.
Poor Heater Performance
Oddly enough, your cabin heater and cooling system are linked. If your heater starts blowing cool air in the winter, it might mean there’s not enough hot coolant flowing through the system to warm things up.
That could point to low coolant levels, a clogged heater core, or a bad thermostat.
Visible Rust or Corrosion Around the Radiator
Pop the hood and take a look. Do you see rust or crusty white or green residue around the radiator cap or hose connections? That’s often caused by old coolant, air pockets, or small leaks.
Rust and scale buildup inside the radiator can reduce cooling efficiency, leading to frequent overheating.
What Happens During a Cooling System Check?
When you bring your car in for a cooling system check, our certified technicians look at the whole picture:
- Coolant Level & Condition: Is the fluid low, dirty, or contaminated?
- Pressure Test: We test the system for leaks in hoses, the radiator, and the water pump.
- Thermostat Function: We make sure the thermostat opens and closes at the right temperature.
- Radiator Inspection: We check for clogs, corrosion, and physical damage.
- Fan Operation: Cooling fans should engage when the engine gets hot. If they don’t, the engine can overheat quickly.
- Water Pump Performance: We inspect for leaks and make sure it’s circulating coolant properly.
This full check gives us insight into what’s working … and what might fail down the road.
How Often Should You Have Your Cooling System Checked?
We recommend having your cooling system inspected at least once a year. You can mark it on your calendar, or schedule it before long road trips or summer travel.
Notice signs of overheating or leaking? That’s a good time to bring it in. Or schedule it every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for a full flush, depending on your vehicle’s requirements.
If you drive in extreme temperatures or use your vehicle for towing or mountain driving, it’s worth checking more often. Colorado’s elevation and weather can speed up wear on cooling system components.
Can You Do a Cooling System Check Yourself?
You can perform a quick DIY check between visits:
- Check your coolant reservoir level (when the engine is cool)
- Look under the car for any leaks or puddles
- Inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or corrosion
- Watch your temperature gauge and listen for the cooling fan to kick on
But for a thorough inspection, especially before a road trip or if you’ve noticed performance changes, it’s best to let a professional take a look. We have pressure testing tools and diagnostic equipment to spot issues before they become big problems.
Protect Your Engine—And Your Peace of Mind
A cooling system check is simple, affordable, and saves you from massive headaches down the road. Overheating is one of the fastest ways to damage an engine. And yet it’s one of the easiest problems to prevent.
If you’ve noticed leaks, odd smells, rising temperatures, or you just want peace of mind before a summer drive, stop by our location.
We’ll check your system, top off your fluids, inspect for wear, and help you stay cool, no matter what the Colorado weather throws at you.
Schedule your cooling system check today and keep your car running at its best.