In this article, you’ll see how to recognize the symptoms of air in the coolant system.
If you’ve had a coolant leak, performed a coolant flush, or else on your car you may experience this problem.
Here we will show you how to notice this and perhaps solve the issue.
Besides this website, you can also watch our YouTube channel where you can see various videos about car maintenance, driving, and other car-related topics.
SYMPTOMS OF AIR IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM
1. ENGINE TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION
Perhaps the most obvious sign of air in the coolant system is a significant fluctuation in the coolant temperature.
Instead of steadily climbing to a working temperature and sitting there, it may climb fast, and shortly after return to low values again.
The erratic behavior will be present all the time while you’re driving or when the engine is running.
2. ENGINE OVERHEATING
These erratic temperature changes can easily lead to engine overheating.
It can happen very quickly, in a matter of minutes so you have to pay close attention to the temperature gauge.
Know that this is one of the symptoms of air in the coolant system that is very serious as it can easily lead to engine damage.
3. BAD CABIN HEATING
Another very common symptom is bad cabin heating.
It can be weak or nonexistent even when the setting is on maximum.
4. EXCESS PRESSURE WITHIN THE COOLANT SYSTEM
Air pockets within the coolant system produce excess pressure.
The easiest way to spot this symptom is by checking the coolant hoses when the engine is not running and has cooled down.
If there is air in the system, the hoses will still be under pressure and if you press them they will still be hard.
Also, if you try to open the coolant bottle after the engine has cooled down, the bottle will still be pressurized and you’ll hear a strong hissing sound.
In some cases, you may also hear a gargling or a boiling sound from the engine bay after you’ve turned off the engine.
5. COOLANT LEAKS
Finally, you may notice coolant leaks under the car or in the engine bay.
The mentioned excess pressure will cause leaks, especially on parts that may be weak like old hoses, loose clamps, and else.
This is one of the symptoms of air in the coolant system that can be noticed as a smaller leak (or as moisture) but can also be a heavy leak or spill.
CONCLUSION
If you have air in the coolant system, get rid of it as soon as possible.
If this is left unchecked for a longer period of time it may damage various parts and components.
But even worse, it can cause overheating and expensive engine damage.
Usually, venting the coolant system solves this problem and it is, in most cases easy to do.
If it doesn’t help, you should inspect the whole system and all of the components for leaks or other problems.
Written by: Sibin Spasojevic
Former car technician, life-long car and DIY enthusiast, author for Despairrepair.com
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