Engines get hot when they run.  This heat can build up and damage vital engine parts, so engines need a cooling system to keep them running. Cooling system failure is the most common mechanical failure in vehicles. This is unfortunate, because these failures are easy for Chicago drivers to prevent.

Radiator Chicago / Cooling System

The radiator is the best-known and most recognizable part of the cooling system.  Hoses filled with coolant (also known as antifreeze) connect the radiator to the engine.  The coolant draws heat from the engine, and then flows to the radiator.  Air passing through cooling fans on the radiator cools the coolant.  The coolant then cycles back into the engine to start the process over again.

Radiator / Cooling system

The most critical component of the cooling system, however, is the coolant itself.  A mixture of water and coolant/antifreeze helps keep it both from freezing and from boiling away. Either can result in serious engine damage.

Different engines require different types of coolant/antifreeze.  The owner’s manual will list what kind a vehicle requires.  Using the wrong type or mixing different types of coolant/antifreeze may void the warranty on the cooling system and may damage it as well.

Insufficient coolant can lead to engine failure.  Coolant levels need to be checked regularly and topped off as necessary.  If coolant levels drop quickly or consistently, the cooling system should be inspected for leaks. Coolant/antifreeze contains additives that protect the radiator and other coolant components from rust, scale and corrosion.  Over time, these additives are depleted, so it is necessary for Chicago drivers to replace coolant at specified intervals.  Changing coolant should be part of routine preventive maintenance for any vehicle.

Rust Build up in Radiator Cooling System

This service is often ignored, though, since old coolant still cools the engine.  Vehicle owners don’t realize there is a problem until the system fails.  They are left with major repairs and possibly a damaged engine, which could have been prevented with a cooling system service at Triangle Auto Service in Chicago.

If your vehicle sends a warning message to check its coolant or if the temperature gauge is reading in the red or hot zone, then the cooling system needs serviced.  This service is critical and should not be put off since the potential for damage is high.

In an emergency situation, water or antifreeze can be added to your vehicle so that it can be driven to a service center for proper car care.  For this reason, owner’s manual contains instructions for how to top off insufficient coolant – allow 45 minutes for the engine to cool before attempting to add coolant or water.  However, the fluid should be added to the coolant overflow bottle, not to the radiator itself. Removing the radiator pressure cap can result in severe burns.

antifreeze

Topping off in an emergency, however, does not fix the problem.  The vehicle should immediately be taken to Triangle Auto Service in Chicago where we can inspect the cooling system, repair any leaks, and clean it if necessary.  We can identify what caused the emergency situation in first place and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Regular maintenance of a vehicle’s cooling system is just good auto advice for Chicago drivers.  Cooling system service is relatively inexpensive and doesn’t take long at Triangle Auto Service.  Lack of it, however, can put a vehicle in the scrap heap.

Talk to our service advisor at Triangle Auto Service for more information.

Triangle Auto Service
4060 N. Elston
Chicago, Illinois 60618
773-539-5858