Symptoms of a Bad Cooling System

Vehicles are comprised of many different systems that work together cohesively. These items are what keep your unit operating like a well-oiled machine. However, if parts malfunction or break, you could be in for a world of trouble. For instance, if the car cooling system begins failing and finally goes kaput, a head or head gasket might blow. At the very least, the motor might overheat, and you'll be left on the side of the road until it cools down.

That's why it can pay off to know the symptoms of a failing car cooling system. Then, when they begin presenting themselves, you can seek help promptly. A mechanic can fix the issues, and with any luck, nothing more will come of them. Instead, you'll be able to drive when you want, how you want, and where you want without incident.

Antifreeze on the Ground

There's probably a leak somewhere in the car cooling system if you start to see coolant or antifreeze on the ground. Drips and leaks are tell-tale symptoms of failing, as the substance is outside the motor, rather than inside doing as it was intended to do. Of course, coolant losses can originate from just about anywhere. However, some of the places where leaks commonly develop include:

• Radiator Hoses
• Water Pump
• Thermostat Housing
• Transmission Lines

It is best to address a leaking car cooling system as soon as symptoms show up. If you don't act fast, you could have bigger problems on your hands, aside from it failing. So do yourself a favor when coolant leaks develop and address them in a timely manner.

A Rising Temperature Gauge

Imagine that you're sitting in traffic when your vehicle's temperature gauge begins to climb. As a result, you have to pull over onto the shoulder and turn the engine off so it can cool down before you attempt to drive home. That would certainly be a headache, but it happens. A rising temperature needle is one of the easiest car cooling symptoms to detect. It is on the dash, right in your line of sight, and it tells you when something is failing. From there, you just have to figure out what's failing and why.

Smoke/Steam From Under the Hood

There are plenty of symptoms that could appear when a car cooling system is failing. However, one that will surely be noticeable is smoke/steam coming from under the hood. If your vehicle begins to overheat, a white fog could escape from the radiator cap, a loose connection, or somewhere else. When that happens, trouble is afoot. Perhaps the radiator isn't circulating the coolant right, or the thermostat is stuck. Then again, maybe the fan broke, a blade is missing, or the fan shroud busted.

If these or other symptoms of a failing car cooling system present themselves, you may need professional assistance. Nucar Nissan of Tilton could prove to be just what the doctor ordered. The professional staff can repair whatever the problem is and get your cooling system up to snuff again. So, contact the dealership whenever you're ready and schedule an appointment.