A properly maintained cooling system consists of the correct antifreeze for each application, a functioning water pump, a clean radiator and heater core, and no leaks within the system.

The purpose for a cooling system is the same for every vehicle. It was designed to cool the engine. If the engine gets hot, you could face additional problems such as internal engine failure. Some systems are also tied into the transmission. The system will then also protect the transmission from overheating. Heat is not an engine or transmission's friend. Excessive heat with cause premature failure of these vital components.

In order to properly maintain the cooling system, the fluid should be checked regularly to ensure that the system has the correct amount of antifreeze, no contaminants are present, and that the fluid is rated at the proper protection level usually -35 below for northern states such as Minnesota.

Potential signs of a failing cooling system are low coolant indicator light, overheating, poor heat inside vehicle, leaks on the ground or inside the engine compartment, or sweet smells coming from within the vehicle's interior.