Cooling System 101: How to Keep Your Engine from Overheating in New Jersey
Summer in Pequannock Township can be brutal on your car's engine. With temperatures reaching the high 80s and 90s, plus the stop-and-go traffic on Route 23 and I-287, your cooling system works overtime to keep your engine running smoothly.
Knowing how your car's cooling system works can save you from expensive repairs and roadside breakdowns during New Jersey's hottest months.
How Your Car's Cooling System Works
Your car's cooling system is like your body's circulatory system. It moves coolant through your engine to absorb heat, then pumps it to the radiator where air cools it down before sending it back through the engine.
The main parts include:
- Radiator - Cools the hot coolant
- Water pump - Moves coolant through the system
- Thermostat - Controls coolant flow
- Coolant/antifreeze - The liquid that absorbs heat
- Radiator fan - Pulls air through the radiator
Warning Signs Your Cooling System Needs Attention
Watch for these red flags that could mean trouble:
Temperature gauge rising - If your gauge moves into the red zone, pull over safely and turn off your engine immediately.
Steam from under the hood - This usually means coolant is leaking onto hot engine parts.
Sweet smell - Coolant has a distinctive sweet odor when it leaks.
White exhaust smoke - Could indicate coolant burning in the engine.
Low coolant levels - Check your overflow tank regularly.
Rusty or discolored coolant - Fresh coolant should be bright green, orange, or pink.
New Jersey-Specific Cooling System Challenges
Our local driving conditions create unique stress on cooling systems:
Heavy traffic on Route 23 - Stop-and-go driving reduces airflow through your radiator, making your engine run hotter.
Hot, humid summers - New Jersey's humidity makes it harder for your radiator to cool effectively.
Winter salt damage - Road salt used throughout Morris County can corrode cooling system components over time.
Age of local vehicle fleet - Many cars in our area are older models that need more frequent cooling system maintenance.
Essential Cooling System Maintenance
Check coolant levels monthly - Look at the overflow tank when your engine is cold. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Inspect for leaks - Look under your car for puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid.
Replace coolant every 30,000-50,000 miles - Old coolant loses its ability to prevent corrosion and regulate temperature.
Test your thermostat - A stuck thermostat can cause overheating or poor fuel economy.
Clean your radiator - Remove bugs, leaves, and debris that block airflow.
Check radiator cap - A faulty cap can't maintain proper system pressure.
What to Do If Your Engine Overheats
If you're driving through Pequannock or nearby Wayne and your temperature gauge climbs into the danger zone:
- Turn off your A/C immediately - This reduces engine load
- Turn on your heater - It helps pull heat away from the engine
- Pull over safely - Don't keep driving
- Turn off the engine - Let it cool for at least 30 minutes
- Call for help - Never attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot
Preventing Summer Breakdowns
Schedule pre-summer inspections - Have your cooling system checked before temperatures rise.
Replace worn belts and hoses - Heat makes old rubber components more likely to fail.
Keep emergency coolant - Store a jug of the correct type in your trunk.
Monitor your gauge - Make checking your temperature gauge a habit.
Service your A/C - A working air conditioner reduces strain on your engine.
Why Professional Service Matters
While you can check fluid levels yourself, cooling system repairs require expertise and specialized equipment. A proper diagnosis can identify problems before they cause expensive engine damage.
Professional technicians can:
- Pressure test your system to find small leaks
- Check coolant concentration with a refractometer
- Inspect water pump bearings and seals
- Test thermostat operation
- Examine radiator condition
Don't Let the Heat Beat Your Engine
New Jersey summers are tough enough without worrying about your car overheating. If you've noticed any warning signs or it's been a while since your last cooling system service, don't wait for a breakdown.
Contact Bock Automotive today at (973) 320-7520 to schedule your cooling system inspection. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and experienced technicians will keep your engine running cool all summer long. We're conveniently located at 1 Irving St in Pequannock Township, and we back all our work with a nationwide 2-year/24,000-mile warranty.
Beat the heat before it beats your engine –
schedule your appointment online or call us today!
