Summer is around the corner, and we’ve been waiting a long time for it here in Melbourne!
Now that the weather is finally hotting up, it’s a good idea to check your car’s cooling system to make sure it’s still in good working order.
The cooling system in your car keeps your engine from overheating, so it does a very important job to keep you safe on the road.
What happens if your car overheats? It can cause permanent damage to your engine, which can be costly and stressful. Some insurance policies don’t cover overheating engines if the owner has not maintained the car to avoid it from overheating, so it’s important to protect your vehicle. Prevention is better than cure.
Keep an eye on your thermostat
It’s easy to ignore – the little thermostat on your dashboard is there to warn you if your car is in danger o
f overheating. (Do not confuse it with the outside temperature indicator; check your owner’s manual for details.) So, get into the habit of checking your thermostat every time you drive and you will become familiar with the typical temperature ranges, even during warm and cool weather. This way, you’ll know the difference between the temperature being a little higher due to a warm day, or seriously worrying engine temperature trouble.
Check your coolant
It’s important to regularly check and top up your coolant. Because coolant is a liquid concentrate that helps keep the engine cool as it operates. Coolants are inexpensive and efficient. To check your coolant levels, you need to remove the radiator cap – only when the engine is cool – you’ll get burned otherwise. (It’s a good idea to tie back anything that will obscure your view such as long hair, scarves or jewellery while you are looking under the hood of your car.)
Check the translucent tank which shows the level of coolant within – it is usually brightly coloured so it’s easily visible. It should be between the maximum and minimum signs as indicated. Indicators will vary, depending on the make and model of your car, check your handbook for specific details. If necessary, it’s quite easy to top up the coolant using a funnel.
Book a professional service
Of course, there can be many other potential problems that can cause your car to overheat, which are best left to a professional to inspect. These may include:
- A leak in your cooling system
- Loose fan bet
- Water pump fault
- Low oil
- Debris in the radiator
We are the professionals in servicing all makes and models of German cars, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen. As one of the largest independent German car specialists in Melbourne, our friendly and experienced team can give your car a thorough inspection to ensure the engine is in complete working order.
Book now to check your car before the busy Christmas and summer period!