Is your car's cooling system ready for the summer heat? Pick up some quick tips and tricks to ensure this critical part of your vehicle is in peak operating condition when temperatures hit their peaks.
The summer heat may be great for your seasonal plans, but it puts heavy strain on your vehicle’s engine and cooling system, making them more vulnerable to high-cost issues. Aside from the obvious concern of overheating-related breakdowns, maintaining your vehicle’s cooling system is critical for regulating engine temperature and extending the lifespan of vital components.
Furthermore, an efficient cooling system improves overall combustion processes, which significantly helps your gas mileage – great for those long trips you might have planned this summer.
Let’s look at some tips on how you can maintain these systems, as well as the best ways to prep or upgrade your cool side components for the summer month to ensure the overall safety and reliability of your vehicle.
Why Is Cooling System Maintenance Particularly Important in Summer Months?
Cooling system maintenance is particularly important in the summer months due to the elevated temperatures and increased demands placed on the engine. A cool engine aids overall performance and efficiency for a number of reasons including combustion efficiency, reduced emissions and reduced friction.
When an engine operates at the correct temperature, the overall fuel burn is more efficient. This means that less fuel is wasted, and more power will be produced for the given amount of fuel consumed. It also helps reduce pollution and improve overall air quality. In contrast, if the engine is too hot, it can cause pre-ignition, which leads to inefficient combustion, causing engine knock and other problems.
Additionally, when an engine is cool, overall mechanical friction is reduced when considering internal engine components. Essentially, an engine runs more smoothly while also resisting wear and tear. If an engine is too hot, metal parts can expand and enhance friction, leading to decreased performance and increased wear and tear.
Additionally, regular cooling system maintenance provides an opportunity to perform other helpful routine investigations, such as regular coolant flushes, leak inspections, replacement of damaged components, and coolant grade validation. Staying on top of these line-list items helps crack down on corrosion, which can cause problems both within the system and elsewhere in the vehicle.
Summer Cooling System Checklist
As one might think, summer presents unusual challenges – especially for those gearing up for faraway vacations and long meandering drives. Here is a step-by-step checklist you can utilize before hitting the road this season to ensure your vehicle’s cooling system is up to the test.
Check coolant level. Make sure the coolant level is at the recommended level, and top it off if necessary. It's important to never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
Check for leaks. Inspect the hoses, radiator, water pump and other components of the cooling system for leaks, cracks or damage. If you notice any issues, have them repaired as soon as possible.
Inspect belts and hoses. Check the condition of the belts and hoses for any signs of wear, cracking or damage. If they are worn or damaged, have them replaced before they fail.
Flush and refill coolant. If it's been a while since the coolant has been changed, then consider flushing the system and refilling with fresh coolant. Generally, a coolant flush is recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000 – 50,000 miles. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the correct type of coolant to use.
Check radiator fins. Inspect the radiator fins for any debris or damage. If they are clogged or damaged, it can reduce airflow and cause the engine to overheat.
Check electric cooling fan. If your vehicle has an electric cooling fan, check that it is working properly. It should turn on automatically when the engine reaches a certain temperature.
Check thermostat. If the thermostat is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. Make sure it is working correctly and replace if necessary.
Check water pump. Investigate belt tensions, and/or look for any unusual movement at the water pump pulley. Then start the engine and monitor water flow at the neck at the radiator. If you see water moving, you’re good to go.
Potential Cooling System Upgrades
Like anything else, you can always make your car perform more efficiently. This is particularly true in the case of the cooling system.
Some popular upgrades include installing a high-flow radiator for better heat dissipation, and/or upgrading the cooling fans to more efficient models. For example, an electric fan can be more efficient and provide better cooling compared to a mechanical fan. This can be especially useful for vehicles that are driven in stop-and-go traffic or off-road conditions.
Other popular upgrades include adding a larger capacity coolant reservoir to increase coolant volume; swapping the plastic coolant overflow tank for durable aluminum; and installing a performance water pump for improved circulation and cooling efficiency, especially for high-performance engines.
Additional upgrades can include upgrading to high-quality silicone hoses and stainless-steel clamps for better durability and resistance to heat and corrosion; upgrading to a high-performance thermostat to improve the engine's temperature regulation and reduce the risk of overheating; and installing a coolant additive to improve cooling efficiency.
These upgrades can help keep the engine temperature in check and ensure optimal cooling system performance, especially in hot weather conditions. Remember, you can’t fix a problem unless you first investigate it. However, taking the time to maintain your cooling system before it becomes an issue is always the better course of action. Happy cooling folks!