Cooling System Services

Your Engine Cooling System is made up of 

• Engine coolant which keeps your engine cool and operating efficiently and prevents against corrosion;
• Water pump which circulates your coolant throughout your engine;
• Various hoses which allow the coolant to travel around the cooling system;
• Timing belts (some vehicles) which run the water pump;
• Radiator dissipates excess heat from the engine to the atmosphere;
• Thermostat which controls the coolant flow rate to the radiator;

Your cooling system protects your engine from the tremendous heat created when it runs. Coolant/antifreeze mixed with water circulates through the engine, absorbing heat. The coolant is then cooled as it passes through the radiator before returning to the engine. Your water pump powers the circulation. The thermostat acts as a gate controlling the circulation of the coolant to the radiator to maintain proper engine operating temperature – not too hot & not too cool.

Your coolant not only cools your engine, it also protects cooling system components from corrosion. The cooling system is a very harsh environment and the coolant becomes acidic over time. 

• The coolant contains additives that counteract the acid. Eventually the additives are all used up and the coolant starts to corrode system components. 
• Scale from the engine and other system components can build up in the tiny passages in the radiator, blocking the flow of coolant leading to engine overheating. 
• Corrosion can also cause leaks. 
• Replacing your coolant as recommended restores your coolant’s ability to protect your engine.

• Typical coolant replacement should be scheduled every 40,000 km

If your temperature gauge is indicating hot or temperature warning light illuminates, your cooling system needs to be inspected. 

• If you have a cooling system leak, you may see coolant on the driveway. Coolant comes in many colors: green, amber, orange, purple, etc. depending on the type recommended by your manufacturer. (By the way: you must use the correct fluid to protect your cooling system and its warranty.) 
• Have leaks repaired right away. Follow your vehicle’s cooling system service schedule to prevent expensive repairs.

• Coolant hoses become brittle and worn over time, leading to leaks.
• Regular inspection should catch hose wear before they start leaking, which if left untreated, can lead to more expensive engine repairs.
• Under normal conditions you should plan on a Coolant hose(s) replacement every 4- 5 years or 100,000 km.

• Water pumps are critical to circulating coolant throughout the cooling system.  If your water pump goes, it can quickly lead to engine damage.  Severe engine damage may mean expensive engine replacement.
• Under normal conditions you should plan for a water pump replacement every 4- 5 years or 100,000 km.

• *TIP: if you are replacing your timing belt, it may be a good idea to replace the water pump at the same time as your major cost comes from labour.  For a timing belt replacement, the labour has already been done to expose the water pump.