Vehicle Cooling System Service Near Smithville, MO

close up view of engine cooling system

Cooling System Service at Victory Chevrolet of Smithville

One of the most neglected things about your vehicle is often your cooling system. In addition to systems like oil, transmission, or air conditioner systems, your cooling system is very important to vehicle performance. If you live in or near Smithville, Independence, or Kansas City, bring your vehicle to Victory Chevrolet of Smithville and have it serviced so you can continue to get where you need to go.

The Function of the Cooling System

Internal combustion engines generate a lot of heat when they are in operation. Your cooling system is in place to ensure that the heat built up in your engine compartment does not reach critical levels where the function is impaired. It disperses heat by circulating coolant/antifreeze and distilled water around your engine compartment so that it absorbs heat and then it disperses the heat through your vehicle’s radiator.

Coolant Function

In addition to cooling your engine, the antifreeze has other functions. The chemicals in the coolant are also specially formulated to reduce corrosion. The components in your coolant system are in constant contact with the fluid. It coats and protects them from oxidation and scale buildup, extreme temperatures, and corrosion. In time, the coolant becomes less effective, thus making those components more vulnerable to damage from heat and corrosion.

Temperature Maintenance

Coolant’s primary function is maintaining temperature to keep your engine from overheating or from freezing in the winter months because the boiling/freezing points of the fluid are vastly different from plain water alone. If your engine temperature gets too low, there can be a rise in emissions and a reduction in fuel economy. On the other hand, if temperatures get too high, you run the risk of damage to the engine block and other expensive repairs.

Tracking Function

Within your coolant system, there are many working parts, beginning with gaskets, hoses, and other components. Function, however, is simple. The water pump moves the coolant/antifreeze through the heads of the engine, where excess heat is collected. From there, this super-hot fluid moves through rubber hoses to the radiator where the fluid is cooled and then recirculated back through the engine compartment as a regular part of the cooling cycle.

How Often Should My Cooling System be Serviced?

Recommendations of the National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA), purport that your cooling system should be checked every other year. It may be beneficial to do this more frequently if you live in an area known for extreme heat or extreme cold, if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving, or if your temperature gauge seems to be regularly on the hot side. Other helpful indicators include:

  • Dirty radiator – check the aluminum fins of your radiator for dirt, bugs, or other debris that can clog your radiator and keep the fluid from cooling properly when circulating.
  • Coolant leakage – if you see a bright yellow-green or otherwise brightly colored fluid under your vehicle’s engine compartment, you likely have a leak.
  • Overheating engine – cooling system service technicians will visually inspect your cooling system components and will also check the radiator cap, thermostat, pressure, gas leaks, and fan, and will flush and refill your coolant.

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations where your cooling system is concerned and be sure you schedule regular maintenance services with Victory Chevrolet of Smithville.