Identifying and Addressing Engine Overheating Issues Due to Cooling System Malfunctions in Warm Climates
In the sweltering heat of summer, the last thing you want is for your car to overheat. For those planning to work in the automotive repair field, knowing how to quickly identify and fix a failing cooling system is essential. At ATC Cambridge, students are taught exactly that.
The training programme at ATC Cambridge covers a wide range of topics, from understanding the causes of overheating to learning how to pressure-test radiators and hoses to check for leaks. Students are taught the ins and outs of modern cooling systems, which use electric water pumps, dual thermostats, and onboard diagnostics.
One of the key skills covered in the training is understanding the causes of overheating. High outdoor temperatures put added stress on radiators, coolant hoses, fans, and thermostats. In summer, common contributors to overheating include low or old coolant, cracked or brittle hoses, broken radiator fans, thermostat failures, blocked radiators from debris or bugs, and poor airflow due to faulty belts or damaged fan clutches.
When a car's cooling system is failing, symptoms may include steam coming from the hood, a temperature warning light on the dashboard, coolant leaks or low coolant levels, a radiator fan not engaging, discolored or contaminated coolant, and unusual engine smells like burnt coolant.
ATC Cambridge emphasizes the importance of regular coolant flushes and the dangers of ignoring overheating warnings. Students are taught to confirm thermostat functionality through heat-up tests and to replace damaged fans, belts, and pumps. They also learn how to flush and refill coolant safely and correctly using scan tools to monitor live engine temperature data.
The training at ATC Cambridge prepares students to become the kind of technician modern shops are looking for. By the end of the programme, graduates will be equipped to handle both traditional and advanced cooling systems.
In summary, overheating in summer is commonly caused by cooling system malfunctions (radiator, thermostat, coolant pump), low coolant or oil levels, blocked airflow, and environmental factors such as high ambient temperature and heavy engine load. ATC Cambridge's automotive training focuses on diagnosing and addressing these issues to prevent engine damage and breakdowns during hot summer drives.
[1] ATC Cambridge Training Materials, 2021. "Cooling System Maintenance for Summer Drives." [2] National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, 2021. "Overheating: Causes and Prevention." [3] Consumer Reports, 2021. "How to Prevent Car Overheating." [4] RepairPal, 2021. "Common Causes of Car Overheating." [5] Motor Trend, 2021. "What Causes a Car to Overheat in the Summer?"
- Engaging with modern technology, such as onboard diagnostics, is crucial in understanding and maintaining the efficiency of modern cooling systems, which are vital for a comfortable lifestyle, especially during hot summer drives.
- In line with the NOVA (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) expertise, ATC Cambridge's training equips students with skills in sports (diagnosing and addressing issues) to prevent engine damage, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable driving experience even when pursuing recreational activities like summer road trips.
