How to Test if Your Engine Cooling System Is Working

Checking if your engine coolant system works properly is one of those essential maintenance items for getting the longest life out of your car's engine. Here are some simple things you can do to make sure your engine coolant works the way it should.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Read the engine temperature gauge. If it reads too warm, then your car is overheating, and most likely the engine coolant system has a problem.

2. Keep an eye under the car for puddles of liquid. If the liquid is sweet-smelling, this could indicate that a leak has occurred in the engine cooling system.

3. Look at the engine coolant reservoir to see if it is low when the engine is cool. If it is, fill it up with the manufacturer's recommended coolant mix up to the proper fill line.

4. Wait a few days and check the level again to see if you have lost any more coolant. If you have, continue to look for leaks and cracks in hoses and around hose connection points.

5. Examine common leak points, such as the large hoses that come out of your radiator and the hose connection points to your car's engine. Your coolant system will not work efficiently if coolant is leaking.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that coolant expands as it is heated, and the level will be higher if you check the level in a warm engine.
• Don't ignore warning signs that your engine is overheating, such as hissing noises, steam rising up from the engine or a burning antifreeze smell.

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