Common Car Cooling System Problems

When you’re out on the road, your vehicle generates a lot of heat. That heat and friction is concentrated in the engine, which requires your car’s cooling system to be working effectively to prevent overheating.

Your vehicle’s cooling system is comprised of many parts, including the radiator, radiator fan, hoses, thermostat and water pump. Given how hard these components are working on a regular basis, it makes sense that over time they might wear out and need to be repaired or replaced.

Becoming familiar with how the cooling system works and some common signs of issues, including car radiator problems, can help make you more aware of possible repairs. Keep reading to familiarize yourself with this important vehicle system!

How the Cooling System Works

Most vehicles feature cooling systems that use liquid, or coolant. When liquid passes through a hot engine, it absorbs heat, cooling the engine in the process. The coolant then passes through the radiator, where it’s cooled by air flowing through the grille.

There is a thermostat in the cooling system that sits between the engine and the radiator. The thermostat opens and closes as needed depending on the temperature of the liquid. The fluid will circulate in the engine until it reaches a certain temperature and a valve on the thermostat opens, allowing it to return to the radiator to be cooled again.

READ MORE: WHAT IS CAR ENGINE COOLANT?

Cooling System Parts

The major components of the cooling system include:

• Radiator: As discussed above, the radiator works as a heat exchanger to remove heat from the fluid circulated through the engine area.
• Radiator fan: The radiator fan is situated between the radiator and engine and helps pull air through the radiator.
• Radiator hoses: These carry engine coolant between the engine and the radiator.
• Pressure cap: Also known as the radiator cap, this helps maintain the pressure of the engine cooling system.

• Water pump: The water pump works to circulate coolant throughout the engine cooling system after drawing it from the radiator.
• Thermostat: The thermostat maintains the engine’s operating temperature by opening and closing as needed to allow the right amount of coolant to get through.

Regular maintenance of the cooling system helps keep your car running and extends the life of your engine. Visually inspecting these components and checking your coolant levels often are some simple steps you can take.

Car Cooling System Troubleshooting

Even if you keep up with maintenance and check your car’s cooling system often, things can still become damaged or worn out. If you’re wondering how to identify radiator problems, check for these symptoms:

• Your vehicle is running hot or is overheating
• A fluctuating temperature gauge
• Steam coming from under the hood
• White exhaust fumes
• Low coolant levels
• Coolant is leaking under vehicle
• Decreased/poor gas mileage

If you think something might be wrong with your radiator or cooling system, getting it checked by a professional is important. A trained automotive technician will be able to diagnose the cause of your problem. Here are some of the most common issues:

Radiator Leaks

The most common coolant leaks can spring up from a few locations in your radiator, including the hoses. Some radiator leak symptoms include puddles of coolant underneath your vehicle or low coolant levels. You might even notice white exhaust smoke, which can indicate burning coolant due to a leak.

Air in the Cooling System

If air gets into the cooling system, it can reduce the system’s ability to maintain the proper temperature and regulate your engine’s performance. Symptoms of air in the cooling system commonly include rises or frequent fluctuations in temperature. This is considered to be one of the top causes of engine overheating.

Thermostat Issues

Problems with the car thermostat are generally easy to notice. The gauge reading high or changing erratically are some of the more common signs. You also might notice coolant leaks around the thermostat housing.

Water Pump Failure

Rust can start to build up on a water pump and cause corrosion of the metal, which can create small holes on the pump’s surface. High-pitched sounds coming from the front of the motor might indicate a loose water pump pulley. Coolant leaks can also be a symptom of a failing water pump.

Low Coolant

Low coolant can be one of the main causes of issues with the cooling system, which may cause a dashboard warning light to come on in some vehicles. Other signs of coolant problems may include a rising temperature gauge or the internal heating system having issues working.

Car Cooling System FAQs

What are the common signs of radiator problems?

There are many different indicators that something could be wrong with your radiator. Some of the most common include overheating, low coolant levels, coolant links or temperature fluctuations.

What are the most common causes of coolant leaks in a car radiator?

Issues with your car’s radiator that may cause coolant leaks include corrosion, damaged hoses, a cracked radiator or even a faulty water pump. Identifying the exact cause of coolant problems requires a skilled technician.

How can I prevent coolant leaks in my car radiator?

One of the best ways to prevent coolant leaks in your radiator is to have routine inspections performed on it and the other cooling system parts in your vehicle. Also, getting your coolant flushed and replaced and maintaining proper coolant levels can help.

Learn to Diagnose Cooling System Problems at UTI

While you should take your car to a trained automotive technician if your vehicle is experiencing cooling system problems, you can also learn how to fix those problems yourself! Automotive mechanics are in demand. With more than 67,000 estimated average annual automotive job openings in the United States,⁴¹ you can train to become an automotive technician at Universal Technical Institute (UTI).¹

In the Automotive Technology program at UTI, you’ll get hands-on training and an education that can prepare you for the workforce.¹⁸ Courses cover a range of topics, including maintaining and repairing cooling system parts.

In less than a year,⁷ you can be ready to make a difference by filling a much-needed role in the skilled trades. Find out more and request information today to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives!