The cooling system keeps your engine at a safe operating temperature. C & C Auto inspects its parts, pressure tests the system and compares what it finds to the manufacturer’s specifications, so a leak or a worn part is found before the engine overheats.
This page is about the engine cooling system. If the cabin A/C is blowing warm air but the engine temperature is normal, that is a different system. Auto A/C Service
Common reasons to call
- The temperature gauge reads higher than usual or climbs in traffic
- Coolant spots under the car, or a sweet smell after driving
- The coolant level keeps dropping
- Steam coming from under the hood
- The heater blows cool air when it should be warm
- Coolant stains or crusty residue around hoses and clamps
What we do
- Checking the coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat
- Pressure testing the engine cooling system
- Checking for leaks and damaged parts
- Checking heater and A/C performance by measuring the air temperature at the vents
Water pump and radiator replacement are not listed on this site. If your car needs one of those, ask when you call.
Inspecting and testing versus repairing
The inspection covers the coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat. A pressure test holds the system under pressure and shows whether it leaks, even when nothing has dripped on the ground. We also measure the air temperature at the heater and A/C vents.
Repair follows what those checks find. Water pump and radiator replacement are not listed on this site, so ask when you call if you need either one.
What to tell us when you call
You do not need to know what is wrong. Whatever you can share from this list helps us understand what to look at.
- Year, make and model of the vehicle
- What the temperature gauge does, and when: at idle, in traffic or at highway speed
- Coolant spots under the car, a sweet smell or steam from under the hood
- Whether you keep having to add coolant
- Whether the heater blows cool air when it should be warm
- Whether the engine has overheated before. If it is overheating now, shut it off somewhere safe and call before driving further
How a visit works
- Call (325) 646-6206 and describe what is happening. There is no online booking or form.
- We will set a time to look at the cooling system.
- The inspection and pressure test show where the system is leaking or which part is worn. We will explain what we found.
- Prices and completion times are not listed online. Ask about both when you call, before you decide on any work.
Parts of the cooling system
- Coolant: carries heat away from the engine.
- Radiator: releases that heat into the air passing through it.
- Thermostat: opens and closes to hold the engine at its working temperature.
- Hoses: carry coolant between the engine, the radiator and the heater.
- Pressure cap: keeps the system under pressure so the coolant can run hotter without boiling.
Safe habits and what to check
Check the coolant level only when the engine is cool, and never open the radiator cap on a hot engine. The system is under pressure and hot coolant can burn you.
Your owner’s manual lists the coolant type for your vehicle and its service interval, since they vary by vehicle.
Engine Cooling System Service questions
Why does my engine run hot?
Common causes include low coolant from a leak, a stuck thermostat, a radiator fan that is not turning on and a clogged radiator. A pressure test of the cooling system helps find which one it is.
Can I keep driving if the temperature gauge is climbing?
No. Overheating can damage the engine quickly. Pull over somewhere safe, shut the engine off and let it cool before checking anything. Call and describe what happened before you drive it in.
Is it safe to open the radiator cap on a hot engine?
No. The system is under pressure, and hot coolant can spray out and burn you. Wait until the engine has cooled completely before opening the cap or the coolant reservoir.
What does a pressure test show?
A pressure test holds the cooling system under pressure and watches whether it keeps it. A drop points to a leak somewhere, such as a hose, the radiator or a cap, even when no coolant has dripped on the ground.