Overheating can lead to severe engine trouble, and can even cause an engine block to crack. To avoid such problems, it’s important to keep your vehicle’s cooling system in excellent health. Standard cooling system components include water pumps, thermostats, cooling fans, radiators, and hoses. When there’s an issue with any of these parts, there becomes a greater risk of overheating. At Automotive Repair Specialist, our local mechanics are highly experienced with cooling system repair in the greater Nampa, ID area. Here’s a look at five symptoms of a cooling system problem.

White Exhaust Smoke

A sign of an internal coolant leak is that there’s a bunch of white exhaust smoke emerging from your tailpipe. This could be a sign of a blown head gasket, making it important that you get to the shop for an inspection.

Coolant Leaking Externally

If you see bright fluid accumulating on the ground below your vehicle, then you’ll want to further investigate if coolant is leaking externally. Commonly, coolant is green, but yours could be a different color such as yellow, pink, or orange. Another potential sign of a coolant leak is that your coolant warning light illuminates. 

Steam Rising Up from Under Hood

When coolant is leaking, there could be a reduction in fluid pressure that then decreases your coolant’s boiling point. In turn, steam may start emerging from beneath your hood.

High Reading on Temp Gauge 

When a dashboard temperature gauge ascends into the red, it’s best to safely pull into a parking lot at the first opportunity. At that point, you can call up the shop to explain what’s going on. Then you can get guidance on if it seems okay to drive any further down the road, or if it’ll be better to not risk it and call up a tow truck.

Low Coolant 

A concerningly low coolant level could mean that a leak is present. It’s normal to lose approximately .25% of your coolant every 4 to 6 months. But if you’re losing more coolant than this, then the mechanic should take a look.

Cooling System Repair in Nampa, ID

When you need auto repair in Nampa and the surrounding area, contact Automotive Repair Specialist at 208-461-1330. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair or maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!