Your car’s cooling system plays a critical role in keeping the engine from overheating. Without it, your engine could quickly reach dangerously high temperatures, leading to major damage and expensive repairs. Recognizing early warning signs of cooling system trouble can help you avoid more serious problems. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are four signs of a cooling system problem.

Rising Engine Temperature
One of the first and most obvious signs of cooling system trouble is a rising engine temperature. If you notice that your temperature gauge is climbing higher than normal or reaching the red zone, it’s a strong indication that your cooling system isn’t doing its job. An overheating engine can quickly cause severe internal damage, so it’s important to pull over safely and address the problem right away.

Coolant Puddling Below Vehicle
Coolant leaks are a clear sign that your cooling system has a problem. You might spot a bright green, orange, or pink fluid (your coolant might be a different color) under your car after it has been parked. Coolant leaks can arise due to issues like a damaged radiator, cracked hoses, or a worn-out water pump. If your coolant level drops too low, your engine won’t be able to stay at a safe temperature, leading to overheating and potentially catastrophic engine damage.

Visible Steam or Strange Smells

If you notice steam coming from under your hood, especially after the engine has been running for a while, it's a clear warning that your engine is overheating. You might also detect a sweet, syrupy smell, which often comes from leaking coolant. These signs point to a cooling system failure that needs immediate attention to prevent further engine damage.

Low Coolant Levels
If you find yourself frequently needing to top off your coolant, even when you don't see obvious leaks, it’s a sign that something is wrong within the system. Sometimes small leaks are hidden, or the coolant could be leaking internally into the engine. Constantly low coolant levels should never be ignored because they point to a deeper issue that needs professional diagnosis and repair.

Cooling System Repair in Birmingham, AL

When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!