You can escape the heat, but your car can’t. In the middle of a South Jordan summer, when pavement sizzles and the mountains call, your vehicle’s cooling system becomes its most vital line of defense. Without it functioning properly, even a short drive can lead to overheating, costly repairs, or unexpected breakdowns on the side of Redwood Road.
In this post, the team at Performance Place shares what every driver should know about staying ahead of heat-related damage. From spotting early warning signs to knowing when it’s time to schedule a coolant flush service or look up radiator service near me, we’ll guide you through practical steps to keep your engine cool, your ride smooth, and your summer plans uninterrupted. Let’s dive into the essentials.
How the Cooling System Works (And Why It Matters More in Summer)
Your engine produces intense heat as it runs, to the point that without a cooling system, it would overheat within minutes. The cooling system’s job is to circulate coolant (also called antifreeze) through the engine and radiator to absorb and dissipate heat.
During the summer, your engine is already working harder due to higher outside temperatures, air conditioning use, and potentially longer drives. The strain increases your cooling system’s workload and reduces its margin for error. If even one component, like a radiator hose or thermostat, starts to fail, the entire system can falter.
Overheating doesn’t just stop your road trip; it can crack engine blocks, ruin gaskets, and cause thousands in repairs.
Key Signs Your Cooling System Needs Service
Many drivers ignore early warning signs until it’s too late. Here’s what to watch for:
- Rising engine temperature or the dashboard warning light
- Sweet-smelling odor from leaking coolant
- Steam or hissing under the hood
- Coolant stains or puddles under the car
- Heater or A/C issues (yes, they’re connected)
- A ticking sound, especially after turning off the car
If you spot any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Booking a professional inspection or coolant flush service can prevent serious damage. Schedule your service now.
What Happens During a Cooling System Service?
Most people think cooling system maintenance just means topping off antifreeze, but a comprehensive service is far more detailed and impactful.
Radiator Flush & Coolant Replacement
Over time, coolant breaks down and becomes acidic. A radiator flush fully removes old, dirty coolant and replaces it with fresh fluid. This also clears out mineral buildup, corrosion, and contaminants that restrict flow or damage your radiator.
Pressure Testing & Leak Checks
Radiators and hoses can leak under pressure, especially in summer. Professionals will test the system at full pressure to catch hidden leaks early, before they leave you stranded on I-15.
Thermostat Function Test
A faulty thermostat can trap coolant inside the engine or prevent it from circulating. Technicians check its performance to ensure the right temperature balance is maintained at all times.
Hose & Clamp Inspection
Even if your radiator is in great shape, old or cracked hoses can ruin everything. Hoses are inspected for bulges, splits, and leaks, while clamps are tightened or replaced as needed.
Air Pockets, Pressure & the Science Behind Sudden Overheating
Here’s a little-known fact: even new cars can overheat if air pockets form in the cooling system. That’s right. Air, not just heat, is your engine’s hidden enemy.
When air gets trapped, it blocks the coolant flow, causing hotspots in the engine that spike temperatures and damage sensitive components. This often happens when people top off the coolant themselves without bleeding the system properly.
Professional shops like Performance Place use vacuum fill tools and pressure systems to ensure the coolant flows perfectly, with zero trapped air. It’s a behind-the-scenes detail, but it makes all the difference in preventing overheating.
If you’ve recently had work done or added coolant at home, and your car still runs hot, it could be time for a proper car cooling system repair. Book an appointment online.
Summer Drivers, Listen Up: Maintenance is Your Best Defense
Summer isn’t just about sunshine and road trips. It’s also when cars experience some of their hardest miles. Heat accelerates wear on:
- Radiators and caps
- Plastic coolant reservoirs
- Water pump seals
- Internal engine gaskets
Whether you’re towing up the canyons or crawling through traffic in Salt Lake City, your cooling system absorbs all of that stress. And here in South Jordan, where families often drive larger SUVs or trucks, that’s no small workload.
Now is the time to prioritize a coolant flush service, inspect your hoses, and ensure your radiator is up to the task. Not just to avoid breakdowns, but to extend your car’s life and avoid costly engine repairs.
Where South Jordan Turns for Honest, Expert Auto Care
In a town where everyone seems to know everyone, you need a shop that treats your vehicle like it’s their own. That’s exactly what South Jordan drivers find at Performance Place. We combine personalized, small-town service with the advanced tools and training you’d expect from high-end dealerships, minus the pressure or pricing games.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over 50 Years of Local Experience: We know how Utah weather affects vehicles because we live here, too.
- Full Transparency with Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI): Every inspection comes with photos and honest assessments. No pressure, just facts.
- Family-Owned and Operated: Generations of Holts run the shop and serve the South Jordan community with trust and care.
- Fleet and Diesel Expertise: We’re specialists in large trucks, SUVs, diesel repairs, and fleet maintenance. Our bread and butter? Reliable, long-lasting repairs.
- 3-Year Warranty: We stand behind our work with a comprehensive parts & labor warranty.
If you’re searching for radiator service near me, you want more than a quick fix. You want a shop that knows your vehicle, your area, and your values. Schedule your cooling system check-up today.
Mid-Summer Maintenance Checklist for Smart Drivers
Here’s a quick list to help you stay ahead of heat-related issues:
- Get a full radiator flush if it’s been 30,000+ miles
- Inspect all coolant hoses for wear or bulging
- Watch for signs of leaks or dripping fluid
- Monitor your engine temperature, especially on uphill drives
- Check that your A/C isn’t weakening (may indicate coolant issues)
- Don’t ignore that sweet smell under the hood
Routine maintenance now means a worry-free summer later. Book a service appointment before you’re booked out weeks in advance.
Cooling System FAQs
Q: How often should I get my radiator cap checked or replaced?
The radiator cap is a small part with a big job. It maintains the correct pressure in your cooling system. Over time, the cap’s seal can weaken or wear out, causing pressure loss and leading to coolant leaks or overheating. We recommend having your radiator cap inspected during every major service and replacing it every 50,000 miles or sooner if signs of wear or coolant seepage are present.
Q: Is it normal for coolant levels to drop over time?
Coolant levels can decrease slightly due to evaporation, especially in high-temperature environments like Utah summers. However, significant drops often point to a slow leak, a faulty radiator cap, or even internal engine issues. If you find yourself topping off coolant frequently, it’s time for a professional inspection to locate the source of the loss and prevent more serious damage.
Q: Can old coolant damage my engine?
Yes. As coolant ages, it loses its ability to regulate temperature and resist corrosion. Contaminated or expired coolant can become acidic and start eating away at metal parts inside your engine, including the radiator, water pump, and even the cylinder head. That’s why regular coolant flushes and replacements are critical to maintaining long-term engine health.
Q: Why does my car smell sweet after I park?
A sweet or syrupy smell, especially after you turn off the engine, is a telltale sign of a coolant leak. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, which has a distinct sweet odor. Even a small leak can cause vapor to seep out and leave a lingering smell. If you notice this, it’s best to get it checked out before it becomes a larger issue.
Q: Does the type of driving I do affect my cooling system’s performance?
Absolutely. Stop-and-go traffic, towing, mountain driving, and frequent short trips all put added strain on your cooling system. These driving conditions generate more heat, limit airflow over the radiator, and prevent the system from operating efficiently. If your daily driving includes any of these, it’s wise to schedule cooling system checkups more often than the typical maintenance schedule recommends.
Ready for Summer? Let’s Make Sure Your Car Is Too
Your car works just as hard as you do, especially in the heat. If it’s been a while since your last cooling system service, now’s the time. The team at Performance Place is here to keep your vehicle running strong, so you can focus on what matters.Call us at (801) 254-0715, stop by our shop at 10246 S Redwood Rd, South Jordan, UT 84095, or book your service online here. Let’s keep your summer on track, no overheating allowed.
