4 Signs That Your Vehicle's Coolant System Is In Need Of Repair

An automobile consists of thousands of parts, and a number of systems that work together to allow the vehicle to operate properly. Many people know about how important a car's transmission and engine are, but it is not uncommon for people to overlook the cooling system. The cooling system keeps temperatures within the proper range, which prevents the transmission and engine from being damaged beyond repair. Some of the common signs that your cooling system is in need of automotive repair include:

Temperature Guage is Too High

When you're driving your vehicle, it is very important to pay attention to the temperature gauge on the dash. This gauge is designed to warn you when your vehicle is getting too hot. If the gauge moves all the way over to the right, you need to pull over and let the car cool down before it completely over heats. If this is something that happens regularly, it means that your cooling system is not operating properly and can't maintain the temperature under the hood. 

Smoke from Under the Hood

In the event that your vehicle overheats while you are driving, there is a good chance that you will see white smoke billowing out from underneath the hood. You need to immediately stop the vehicle if you see smoke coming from under the hood. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the amount of smoke you observe, you may need to have your vehicle towed to an auto repair shop to have it fixed before you can drive it again.

Coolant Level is Low

Automobiles needs coolant to help the cooling system absorb heat and maintain temperature. As an automobile owner, you should check your coolant level on a regular basis to ensure that there is enough in the reservoir. If you discover that coolant levels are suddenly very low, it is important to have your car checked out by a mechanic. Low coolant levels can be a sign that you have a leak in the system that needs to be repaired.

White Smoke from the Exhaust

It is possible for coolant to begin leaking inside the motor, and when this happens the coolant burns inside the combustion chamber. This creates white smoke, which will be expelled through the car's exhaust pipe. It is not good for your engine to be exposed to leaking coolant, so if you notice white smoke coming from your car's exhaust, it is important to have it repaired promptly.