How to Detect Cooling System Failures in Car Engines?
2 Answers
Methods for detecting cooling system failures in car engines include: 1. Check if the shutters are closed or have insufficient opening; 2. Inspect the tightness of the fan belt; 3. Verify the normal operation of the fan clutch and the correct direction of the fan blades; 4. Examine the working efficiency of the water pump. The causes of cooling system failures in car engines are: 1. Shutters being closed or having insufficient opening; 2. Slippage of the radiator fan belt or damage to the fan blades; 3. Poor performance of the temperature control switch for the electronically controlled fan; 4. Low rotational speed of the axial flow blower in the cooling system, obstructed air ducts, or poor air diversion.
When my car's temperature gauge suddenly spikes, I know there might be a cooling system issue. First, I quickly pull over, pop the hood, and check the coolant reservoir's level. If it's too low, there might be a leak, so I carefully inspect along the hoses to see if there's any dripping or wet spots at the connections. I also take a quick look at the radiator, feeling its surface to see if it's excessively hot, which could indicate poor airflow. The fan is a common trouble spot—after starting the car and letting the temperature rise, I listen for its humming sound; if it doesn't spin, I check the fuse or relay. A simple test for the thermostat: after the engine warms up, I feel the upper and lower radiator hoses—if there's a big temperature difference, it might be stuck. Water pump issues often show up as loose belts or leaks, so I wiggle the pulley to check for looseness. Regular maintenance includes changing the coolant to prevent corrosion and blockages. Small leaks must be addressed immediately to avoid engine damage from overheating. These troubleshooting steps, from simple to complex, help me stay calm and avoid breakdowns whenever I spot warning signs.
