Want to Become a Certified Mechanic? Here Are 3 Signs of Cooling System Failure to Watch For

Vehicle engines operate at extremely high temperatures, which is why every vehicle needs a properly functioning cooling system. If the cooling system isn’t working properly, then the engine will overheat and parts of it can literally melt and break down.

If you become a certified mechanic, you’ll want to be able to recognize the early signs of cooling system failure. Being able to catch a cooling system failure early on can help prevent damage to the engine and ensure your customers’ vehicles keep running for longer. Here are a few signs that could indicate trouble with a cooling system.

1. Auto Mechanics Know that Coolant Leaks Are Behind Most Cooling System Failures

Most cooling system failures stem from coolant leaks and there are a number of ways to tell if coolant is leaking. The easiest way is to simply look under the vehicle for any puddles that may be forming. Coolant has a very bright colour and is usually green, blue, orange, red, or pink, so it’s easy to spot. You can also pop open the hood and check the coolant levels to see if they are unusually low.

Coolant also has a distinctly sweet smell to it. If a customer comes to you after you’ve completed your mechanic certification program complaining of a sweet smell coming from in or around their vehicle, it’s a good indication that the coolant is leaking. The source of a coolant leak can vary and may stem from the radiator, water pump, cylinder head gasket, or, most commonly, a cracked hose. A leaking part will usually need to be replaced.

2. If You See White Smoke When You Become a Certified Mechanic Check the Cooling System

Just because you don’t see coolant pooling underneath the car doesn’t mean it’s not leaking. If a thick white smoke is coming from the exhaust pipe then this could indicate an internal coolant leak. In this case, the coolant isn’t leaking to the exterior of the vehicle but into the engine. The white smoke is a result of the engine burning the coolant.

This is a very serious issue not only because it means that there is already a leak that is allowing coolant inside the engine, but because burning coolant can cause even further damage to the engine. As a result, when you become a certified mechanic and somebody calls you complaining of thick, white exhaust smoke, you should advise them to bring their vehicle in for servicing as soon as possible so that the source of the leak can be found and fixed.

3. When a Vehicle’s Heater Stops Working It Could Point to Trouble with the Cooling System

A vehicle’s cooling system isn’t just used to regulate engine temperature; it is also used to heat the vehicle’s interior. If the heating system is only blowing out cold air then it could indicate an issue with the cooling system. Keep in mind that it is normal for cold air to blow out of the heater for the first couple of minutes, especially during the winter. If cold air continues to blow out, however, it may mean that coolant is low and possibly leaking or that debris is blocking the radiator, both of which can cause cooling system failure. In either case, it’s a good idea to advise drivers to bring their vehicles in for repairs if their heaters aren’t working.

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