Summer brings more than just sunshine and road trips—it also brings added stress on your vehicle’s engine and cooling system. As ambient temperatures rise, so does the risk of overheating, particularly in vehicles with worn-out components, low coolant levels, or hidden leaks. If ignored, an overheated engine can result in warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, or even total engine failure.

A comprehensive cooling system inspection is essential to ensure safe, smooth driving through the warmest months. It’s not just about coolant—it’s about thermostats, fans, hoses, and your radiator working together efficiently.

The Heart of It All: The Radiator

Your radiator is the primary heat exchanger in your engine bay. It works by circulating coolant through metal fins to release heat into the air. But even the best-designed radiator can’t perform if it’s clogged, leaking, or corroded.

Signs of radiator trouble include:

• Coolant leaks under your vehicle
• Rising temperature gauge, especially in traffic
• Discoloured coolant or visible debris inside the reservoir
• A sweet, syrupy smell under the hood

Over time, rust and scale deposits can form inside the radiator, restricting flow. A flush-and-fill service removes these deposits and replaces old coolant with fresh, manufacturer-recommended antifreeze. Most modern vehicles require a flush every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometres, though older systems may need it more often.

Coolant: Not Just Antifreeze

Coolant (also known as antifreeze) is a fluid blend of water and ethylene or propylene glycol that regulates engine temperature and prevents corrosion. Its boiling point is far higher than water alone, which is vital for summer heat and stop-and-go traffic.

What to check:

• Level: Low coolant may indicate a leak.
• Colour and clarity: Healthy coolant is bright (often green, orange, pink, or blue). Dark, cloudy, or brown coolant is a red flag.
• Mix ratio: A 50/50 mix is standard for most vehicles, but some manufacturers recommend premixed formulas to maintain exact chemical balance.

Some newer vehicles use “long-life” or “extended” coolants designed to last up to 240,000 km, but they still require periodic checks and top-ups.

Thermostat and Water Pump: Vital Flow Control

The thermostat controls when coolant starts to flow through the radiator. It remains closed while the engine warms up, then opens at a specific temperature—usually around 90–95°C. If it sticks closed, your engine may overheat quickly. If it stays open, your engine may run too cold, affecting fuel economy and emissions.

The water pump, typically driven by the serpentine belt or timing chain, circulates coolant throughout the engine and radiator. A failing water pump often leaks from the weep hole or produces a whining noise due to worn bearings.

Technicians will inspect for leaks, listen for bearing noise, and check belt tension to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Hoses and Clamps: The Weakest Links

Rubber hoses expand and contract with temperature changes and pressure cycles. Over time, they can become brittle, bulge, or crack—especially near the clamps. A single failed hose can drain your entire cooling system and lead to engine overheating in minutes.

A cooling system check includes:

• Visual inspection for cracks, bulges, or leaks
• Pressure testing to reveal weak points
• Clamp security check to avoid slow leaks

Modern engines often include a heater core, transmission cooler lines, and bypass hoses—all of which need to be verified.

Fans and Sensors: Don’t Overlook the Electronics

Your engine’s cooling fan is activated by a temperature sensor or the vehicle’s computer. On modern vehicles, electric fans switch on as needed, sometimes even after the engine is off. Mechanical fans (usually found in older trucks and SUVs) rely on a thermal clutch.

A malfunctioning sensor, relay, or fan motor can result in no airflow across the radiator while idling, causing heat to build quickly. This is especially common in city driving or during extended stops in summer traffic.

During inspection, technicians check:

• Fan function with the A/C running
• Sensor output using diagnostic tools
• Relay and fuse condition

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Even if your temperature gauge appears normal, be aware of early signs of a cooling issue:

• Engine running hotter than usual on warm days
• Coolant smell after driving
• Frequent need to top up the coolant reservoir
• Dashboard warning lights (often shaped like a thermometer or reading “TEMP”)

Delaying service can lead to catastrophic engine damage, especially if your vehicle is under heavy load (towing, long drives, uphill climbs).

Stay Ahead of the Heat

A pre-summer cooling system inspection can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or daily commuting, ensuring your vehicle’s cooling system is ready for hot weather is essential maintenance—not an optional upgrade.

Book Your Cooling System Check Today

Your vehicle deserves to be running at its best when summer heat hits. Click the button below to schedule your inspection. Our certified technicians will ensure every component is in peak condition so you can enjoy the road ahead with confidence and peace of mind.