If left unprotected, your engine can grow hotter than a frying pan within a few minutes, suffering catastrophic damage. Your coolant and entire cooling system are the engine’s core defense against overheating. Here are some key guidelines for Chevy cooling system maintenance to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently for the long run.
Use the Correct Coolant for Your Car
The optimal coolant varies from car to car. Check your owner’s manual for guidance on the right coolant for your model. Given its essential role in engine maintenance, the highest-quality coolant should always be used to avoid costly repair work down the road.
Check Your Coolant Monthly
Coolant is quite a durable fluid, but as with motor oil and other vehicle fluids, you should keep a watchful eye on its level and condition. You can do this easily by checking the transparent coolant reservoir. If its level is ever low, top it up and ask a technician to check for leaks. And if your coolant is turning a buddy brown color, your radiator could have internal rust and you’ll need to have it flushed.
Flush Your Coolant Every Two Years
Coolant tends to last 30,000 miles in good condition, which is about two years of driving for most. You can schedule routine flushes with us to ensure you remember to have it changed at this two-year mark.
Have the System Pressure Tested Yearly
It’s also advisable to have your entire cooling system professionally inspected once a year. This includes pressure testing the radiator and hoses for potential leaks. This process doesn’t take long and could save your car from a discretely developing problem.
Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Trouble
You’ll also need to know the signs of a coolant problem and an overheating engine. While unlikely to ever occur, this kind of issue can rapidly grow out of control and cause permanent damage. If the engine temperature gauge ever shoots up, or you notice other signs of overheating (such as plummeting power, burning smells, ticking sounds, or white vapor), pull over at once to allow the engine to cool down.
Puddles of brightly colored liquid under your car would indicate a coolant leak. And clogged, rusting, or dented radiator fins might mean you need a new radiator. The check engine light will also appear as soon as a problem arises.
We Can Help With Your Chevy Cooling System Maintenance
Allow us to take the pressure off your hands by scheduling and reminding you of all vital cooling system services. Our experienced technicians specialize in keeping Chevy engines purring along powerfully for their maximum lifespans.
Visit Coughlin Chevrolet of Pataskala in Pataskala, OH, today for comprehensive vehicle maintenance.
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