Cooling System Archives - Steve's Auto Repair & Tire Blog

Where do coolant leaks occur?

In Cooling System by Steves Auto Repair and TireSeptember 23, 2025

If you’ve had your car for a while, it’s possible that various systems will eventually start to leak.

An important one to maintain and keep an eye on is your cooling system. The cooling system helps control the engine’s temperature, preventing it from overheating.

How does it do this?

This system has a thermostat, which opens and closes based on how hot the engine block is.

There’s also a water pump that sends coolant to the radiator when the thermostat opens. Then, the coolant moves on to the heater core and engine block.

Signs of a coolant leak

BMW coolant reservoir leaking from the side

Coolant leaks can crop up from time to time. Because coolant helps the engine run at a safe temperature, it’s important to address leaks sooner rather than later.

How can you tell when your car has a coolant leak?

The engine could start overheating, which can be indicated by the engine temperature light turning on.

If you or a mechanic who’s working on your car check the fluid levels, it may be low on coolant.

You might also notice coolant leaking. Coolant comes in several colors – yellow, orange, red, pink, and green. Typically, you would see coolant coming from the front center of your car. However, leaks could be found in other areas or can be hidden behind components.

Coolant leak sources

Corrosion buildup, impacts and rust are some causes of coolant leaks.

Leaks can spring up when various parts fail, too.

Some common areas include:

Bypass hoses
Heater core inlets and outlets
Heater hoses
Radiator
Radiator hoses
Thermostat
Thermostat housing
Water pump

Coolant leaking on Ford F-150

Leaks could occur at the heater hose connectors if they break.

The end caps, transmission coolers and oil coolers can be leak spots on radiators.

Sometimes, clamps weaken and radiator hoses start to crack due to age and heat.

Inlets and outlets have gaskets and seals that might leak. Plastic pieces can crack, as well.

For water pumps, cracks may form, or a seal or gasket can go bad.

Finding the source of coolant leaks

With the way a lot of these cars are designed, you will have smaller coolant hoses going to different parts of the engine, intake manifold, turbos and super chargers.

Some newer vehicles have lots of coolant hoses instead of just one inlet and one outlet like older ones. As a result, there are many places for coolant to leak.

It can be tough trying to find leaks because the hoses can run underneath the intake manifolds and aren’t easy to see.

The process for locating a coolant leak will depend on whether we see a leak on the outside or if it’s an internal issue.

Our automotive technicians start by inspecting the vehicle. Then, they perform a coolant pressure test. We can encourage outside leaks to appear by using twice or three times as much pressure than is typical for the cooling system.

For internal leaks, we will want to conduct a test to determine if coolant is going into other places. Some of these tests are the hydrocarbon test and block test.

Taking care of this system and resolving any problems can protect components and prevent potential breakdowns.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Bad water pump symptoms

In Cooling System by Steves Auto Repair and TireOctober 25, 2024

Did you see the engine temperature light appear on your car’s dashboard? Have you needed to add coolant multiple times over a couple of weeks?

These problems could mean that something is wrong with the cooling system.

A vehicle’s cooling system keeps the engine running at a safe operating temperature. It’s made up of several parts: radiator hoses, thermostat, water pump, heater hoses, radiator and heater core.

Overtime, the components can fail, which impacts the system’s ability to do its job – preventing the car from overheating.

In this article, we will focus on the water pump and some indicators that it’s going bad.

What does the water pump do?

Before talking about signs of a bad water pump, we’re going to take a step back and explain the role this part plays.

Once the engine hits a specific temperature, it prompts the thermostat to open.

Coolant is circulated through the cooling system by the water pump. This component sends the fluid into the radiator and then the coolant moves onto the heater core and engine block.

The amount of coolant that flows into the radiator is determined by how open the thermostat is.

What can cause the pump to go bad?

Different issues can cause water pumps to malfunction.

Bad water pumps may be the result of a worn bearing. If a bearing moves back and forth, it’s not a full seal. The bearing may also ride near the seal. If it’s moving, it will hit the seal, creating a tear.

Coolant leaks are another possibility. They can develop if a gasket or seal fails. On rare occasions, a crack will be found. Some of the European vehicles have a plastic secondary water pump.

If a driver only has water in the cooling system, it could freeze during the wintertime, causing the engine block, water pump and other parts to crack.

A lack of maintenance also impacts the water pump. Coolant that isn’t regularly replaced through a coolant fluid exchange will become acidic and start eating away at items.

Possible signs that you have a bad water pump

Because the water pump can be hidden by other components, you may not be able to just pop the hood and check on its condition.

So, how do you know if you have a bad water pump?

Low coolant on a Mini Cooper

Generally you find out that it’s leaking. The engine temperature light may turn on, telling you that the engine is overheating or the system is low on coolant.

You might also see coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle (normally in the center). A squeaking or a chirping noise could be heard, too.

You may not experience any water pump or cooling system problems when using your vehicle. Sometimes, issues might not be discovered until a car is brought in for routine maintenance.

Maybe the technician sees the coolant is low or the PH is incorrect during their courtesy check. Coolant color and residue around pumps, hoses and seals are other items we keep an eye out for.

When you bring your vehicle in for an oil change or another service, see if the shop offers digital inspections. This handy tool gives drivers a detailed update on how their car is doing.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Winter car safety tips

In Battery, Brakes, Cooling System, Fluids, Headlamps, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and TireDecember 21, 2023

Today is the first day of winter.

Following a few winter car safety tips can help protect you on road trips, while you run errands, and anything in between.

Make sure your car is up-to-date on maintenance services.

Battery, brakes and belts

It’s a good idea to have a battery test performed, because weak car batteries are more likely to die during very hot and cold times of the year.

You should also ask an automotive expert to take a look at the timing belt – which surrounds pulleys – and the serpentine belt – which wraps around engine components.

Measuring brakes on a Toyota Sienna

The brake system needs to be working correctly, as well. This includes the brake pads and rotors, calipers, brake hardware, and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

For a vehicle to operate safely, pads and rotors must be at 2/32 of an inch or more. If the red brake light or ABS light turn on, bring it to a shop or a mechanic as soon as possible.

Taking care of your windshield is also critical. Windshield wipers should be replaced if they are torn or leave streaks, making it difficult to see. Using washer fluid with the right temperature protection level helps prevent it from freezing.

More winter car safety tips

Other components we recommend getting inspected are:

Car lights
Coolant and other fluids
Tires and tire pressure

Winter is made up of shorter nights, rainy days, and snowy conditions. To help prevent accidents, car lights need to be checked regularly. When needed, replace any bad bulbs for headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, and fog lights.

Headlights can grow foggy, and headlight restoration can be used to clear them up. Depending on how long you plan to keep your vehicle, it might be best to just replace the headlight assemblies.

Low coolant on a Hyundai Elantra

It’s important to keep an eye on a car’s fluids, as well. This includes the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid.

Fluid that’s lower than normal may be a symptom of a leak. If certain fluids – like power steering fluid – appear dark, your vehicle could be telling you it’s time to replace them.

If an auto repair shop performs a coolant fluid exchange or tops off your coolant, make sure they put in the right kind.

Coolant can be blue, red, purple, pink, orange or green. The type a car uses depends on the metal used for the engine.

Checking the tires is another one of our winter car safety tips.

Has it been a while since you purchased tires? Is the tread getting close to 3/32 of an inch or 4/32 of an inch? It may be time to invest in new tires. Goodyear Tire and Kelly Tire produce all season options. Winter tires are also available.

You should also ensure that they have the right amount of air. As the temperatures dip, tire pressure decreases. Driving on low tires can impact their lifespan.

Many vehicles are equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). If yours is, be watchful for the TPMS light, which may turn on if one or multiple tires don’t have enough air.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Getting your car cooling system ready for winter

In Cooling System by Steves Auto Repair and TireNovember 9, 2023

As the cooler months set in, many are beginning to think about upcoming family gatherings, festivities, and tasks that need to be completed before the end of the year.

In the midst of the holiday season, car maintenance can be overlooked.

Many changes occur with the drop of temperatures. It’s important to make sure that your vehicle is ready.

Checking the coolant level

Looking over the fluid levels is one of our winter preparation recommendations. Coolant is among the fluids that you should check.

Antifreeze, which travels between the engine and radiator, prevents an engine from overheating. Ensuring that it’s at the right level helps point out any present coolant leaks.

There are different kinds of coolant leaks.

You can have an external leak, which has to do with a radiator, coolant hose or engine gasket. Internal leaks may be related to a bad head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. In this case, coolant could be burning out through the tailpipe. If the radiator cap isn’t sealing right, water could be steaming out of the cooling system over a period of time.

If coolant is leaking, checking the fluid level allows you to address the problem before it gets worse – or before you find yourself stranded with an overheating car.

The right coolant for your car cooling system

In addition to reviewing the coolant level, it’s crucial to make sure the right type of antifreeze is being used in your car cooling system.

There is a misconception that antifreeze is green, and that green means good. In reality, coolant comes in an array of colors, including red, pink, orange and blue.

The kind that should be used depends on the car and the metal its engine is made with. Certain kinds of metal require specific types of antifreeze.

For example, red coolant is typically used on Toyotas. Meanwhile, the antifreeze that a European vehicle needs may be blue or a green that appears yellow.

When an auto repair shop or automotive professional is performing any cooling system repairs or work on your vehicle, confirm that they are using the right, high quality coolant.

Temperature protection level

You also need antifreeze with a good temperature protection level.

If you go to the store, 100 percent antifreeze is one of the options available. You may also buy a 50/50 mix, which is 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. This combination can bring the temperature protection level to as low as negative 34 F and up to 265 F.

Depending on where you are in the country and the world, you may mix a little more water or a little less water to adjust the temperature protection level. The protection level for those traveling in Canada will differ from Florida drivers.

It’s important to note that you want to use distilled water, not tap water. Sometimes, the minerals in the hard water can actually break down or kill the organic materials in some of the antifreezes. That could lead to other problems, such as sludging.

As you prepare for the colder months, make sure your car cooling system is taken care of and that you have a knowledgeable automotive expert you can take your car to, in case an unexpected problem arises.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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BMW overheating: Possible causes and how to prevent it

In Cooling System, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and TireJuly 2, 2021

BMW overheating problems aren’t uncommon occurrences.

We worked on a 2004 BMW that was brought in multiple times because it was overheating.

When it first came to Steve’s Auto Repair, our technician noticed that it was low on coolant. He performed a pressure test on the cooling system and discovered the coolant reservoir was cracked.

Refrigerant cools a vehicle’s engine. It flows from the engine to the radiator, where some heat dissipates. The coolant then goes back to the engine.

Without coolant, the heat is confined to the engine.

Because the car couldn’t keep its coolant, we weren’t able to complete the diagnostic testing.

The coolant reservoir was replaced, but the BMW was still overheating.

Brian performed another pressure test to confirm there aren’t any other leaks. When he didn’t see any, he determined that the issue was with the thermostat or water pump.

Through further investigation, Brian noticed there was a difference in the temperature of the upper radiator hose and lower radiator hose, which usually indicates a bad thermostat.

The thermostat was sticking closed, preventing coolant from reaching the radiator and cooling the vehicle down.

Possible reasons behind a BMW overheating

Being low on coolant is the most common reason a BMW overheats. This is the result of a coolant leak. The technicians at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire are able to look for and address coolant leaks.

Overheating can also indicate a thermostat issue. If the thermostat doesn’t open, coolant isn’t able to flow to where it needs to go.

A car could also overheat due to an electrical component, such as the electric cooling fan and electric cooling fan controller. Even a module or computer may be experiencing an issue that prevents the cooling fan from turning on.

We have worked on vehicles that had functioning cooling fans that weren’t spinning fast enough to pull air through.

How to prevent your car from overheating

Some overheating problems can’t be avoided. However, there are some maintenance options available.

Coolant fluid exchanges, for examples, can help prevent the engine from overheating. It also extends the life of the cooling system components and overall life of the engine.

You can read more about coolant fluid exchanges in this article we wrote recently.

We recommend this service every 30,000 miles. Depending on a manufacturer’s recommendations, a vehicle could require it more often.

You might want to also consider a coolant fluid exchange if work is being done on the thermostat or you’re getting a new radiator or water pump.

Depending on how much and where you’re driving, debris – such as dirt, bugs and grass – can start to build up in front of the radiator.

Getting it cleaned out to make sure the air is flowing through to the radiator can keep a vehicle from overheating.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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