Cooling System and Radiator Repairs in Tyne and Wear

The cooling system moves heat away from the engine using coolant, a pump, a radiator, hoses and a thermostat. It looks simple, but a fault in any one part can cause overheating, and overheating is one of the quickest ways to damage an engine.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we look after cooling systems, radiators and water pumps as part of our engine repair work. Here is how to spot a problem and what we do about it.

Warning signs

A temperature gauge reading higher than normal, a warning light or steam from under the bonnet all mean the same thing: stop driving as soon as it is safe, switch off and let the engine cool. Never open the cap on a hot system, because the coolant is under pressure and can scald.

Quieter symptoms are worth acting on too. A falling coolant level, a sweet smell, puddles under the car or a heater that blows cold can all point to a developing problem.

• Temperature gauge rising or a warning light
• Coolant level dropping repeatedly
• Visible leaks or crusty residue on hoses and the radiator
• Heater blowing cold or lukewarm
• Rusty, oily or sludgy coolant
• Engine taking too long to warm up

How we find the fault

We begin with a visual inspection and a pressure test, which pushes pressure into the cooling system to reveal leaks that only show when hot. We also check the cap, thermostat, fans and water pump operation.

Common causes include a leaking radiator, perished hoses, a stuck thermostat, a failing water pump, a faulty fan or a blocked heater matrix. Less often, the problem is further inside the engine, such as a head gasket fault, which is why we do not just top up and hope.

Repairs and what affects the outcome

Typical work includes replacing a radiator, hoses, thermostat or water pump, then flushing and refilling the system with the correct coolant and bleeding out trapped air. Air pockets can cause overheating even when every part is new, so bleeding properly is an essential step.

Cost is shaped by which parts are involved and how hard they are to reach. A hose is a different job from a radiator on a tightly packed engine bay, and a water pump driven by the timing belt is more involved still. We explain the diagnosis and options at the estimate.

• Which component has failed
• Access to that component on your car
• Whether coolant has to be flushed and replaced
• Whether the overheating has caused other damage

Prevention and when to stop

Coolant wears out over time and loses its protection against corrosion and freezing. Follow the manufacturer's advice on coolant type and replacement, and avoid mixing different types. Check the level when the engine is cold.

If a leak is small we may be able to repair it, but a repeatedly overheated engine needs checking for lasting damage. If your gauge is in the red, do not carry on to see if it settles; stopping early can save the engine.