Your car's heating and cooling system is what keeps you comfortable, no matter the season. However, over time due to general wear and tear, it can begin to malfunction, which can make driving much less enjoyable. Thankfully, there are a number of warning signs that you can look out for to ensure that you can repair your heating and cooling system before it begins to fail.
Fluid Leaks
If you notice an excessive amount of fluid underneath your vehicle after it has been parked, you may have a coolant leak. This is usually because of damage to the coolant lines. In order to check to see if the fluid is coolant, leave a piece of cardboard underneath your vehicle and check it after a few hours. Coolant has a green blue shade. A darker red color is transmission fluid, black is motor oil, while water is simply condensation from your exhaust system and no cause for alarm. If you notice a coolant leak (or a leak of oil or transmission fluid, which are also both serious), head to a mechanic straight away to have your fluid lines examined and refilled.
Smells
A bad smell coming out of your air vents can mean that mold and mildew has begun to grow within your car's ventilation system. This occurs no matter if you are using your heater or air conditioner and can be a serious health concern, especially to those with respiratory diseases. Most automotive stores sell a solution that can be sprayed into the vents to kill the mold, but going to a mechanic can help ensure that the removal is complete. If the smell of gasoline is coming out of your vents, there may be a gas leak under the hood, which is very dangerous. Turn the car off and have your vehicle towed to the nearest mechanic to be examined.
Increased Engine Temperature
Your car's heating system works by transferring heat away from your engine. If you notice that your engine's heat is increasing beyond what it normally reaches, this is a clear warning sign that your heating system isn't working as it should be. This can also manifest itself in reduced fuel efficiency, which can drive up your gas bills. If you notice either of these two symptoms (but especially if you notice them at the same time), you should head to a mechanic as soon as you can.
For more information, contact a local company like Precision Automotive.
Share18 May 2016
Hello, my name is Veronica. Welcome to my site. I am excited to talk to you about DIY and professional auto repairs. Most of the maintenance tasks on your vehicle can be completed in your own driveway. You just need to right tools and repair manuals to complete the job at hand. Of course, there are plenty of tasks best left to the professionals. As you learn to do your own maintenance, you will start to easily tell the difference between professional and DIY worthy tasks. I will use this site to provide all of the information you need to know about this process. Thanks for visiting.