What To Expect During A Cooling System Service

Properly maintaining a car is essential if you want to avoid costly repairs and ensure that your vehicle runs for as long as possible. Almost everyone is aware of auto services such as the that the oil being changed and the transmission fluid being flushed, but it is not uncommon for people to overlook their car's cooling system. The cooling system plays a very important role in keeping the engine and transmission at the proper temperature so they do not overheat, which is essential to keep the car in good repair. Almost all auto repair shops offer affordable cooling system services. Continue reading to learn more about what a cooling system service consists of. 

Remove Old Coolant

The coolant in an automobile's cooling system absorbs heat and helps remove it. Coolant works very well in vehicles, but over time it can become contaminated and dirty. Thus, the first step in a cooling system service is to remove all of the old coolant. Removing the coolant involves more than just draining it. Mechanics use special tools and equipment to help ensure that all of the coolant is completely removed. 

Examine the Thermostat

The thermostat in the cooling system continually monitors the temperature and ensures that it stays at the proper level. Since temperature maintenance is key to preventing the engine or transmission from overheating, it is very important that the thermostat be in excellent repair. During a cooling system service, a mechanic will examine the thermostat to ensure that there are no problems and that it is working properly. If your vehicle has a lot of miles on it, there is a chance that your thermostat may be faulty and need to be replaced. 

Cooling System Inspection

A comprehensive cooling system service involves a mechanic carefully inspecting all of the components of the cooling system, including the radiator, water pump, and all hoses, to make sure that there are no problems that need to be addressed. If a problem is found, it is best to have it fixed right away, ideally the same day when the coolant is already drained from your vehicle.

Refill Coolant

After the cooling system is thoroughly inspected, the mechanic will refill the coolant to the proper level. When the coolant is refilled, your car will be checked one more time to make sure that there are no coolant leaks. When your cooling system service is done, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your engine and transmission will be kept at the right temperature and are not at risk of overheating.