Stop Engine Overheating Before It Damages Internal Parts

Cooling System Repair in Columbia

Your cooling system keeps your engine at the right temperature by circulating coolant through the engine block, radiator, and heater core, and when that system fails, your engine overheats and risks serious internal damage. You'll notice the temperature gauge climbing into the red zone, steam coming from under the hood, or coolant puddles under your vehicle after it's been parked. Drivers in Columbia face higher risk of overheating during summer months and in heavy traffic, where airflow is limited and engines work harder to maintain speed.

T&G Auto Repair LLC inspects and repairs radiators, hoses, water pumps, thermostats, and other cooling components to prevent overheating and protect your engine from heat-related damage. We pressure-test the system to find leaks, check coolant concentration and condition, and replace worn or damaged parts that are no longer doing their job. The goal is to restore proper operating temperatures so your engine runs efficiently and doesn't overheat on long drives or during stop-and-go traffic around Columbia.

If your temperature gauge is reading high, you see coolant leaking, or your engine has overheated, contact T&G Auto Repair LLC to schedule cooling system service in Columbia.

What We Inspect and Repair

When you bring your vehicle to our shop in Columbia, we pressure-test the cooling system to check for leaks in the radiator, hoses, water pump, and heater core. We also inspect the radiator cap, thermostat, and coolant reservoir for damage or wear. If the coolant is contaminated or low, we'll top it off or flush the system and refill it with the correct coolant type for your vehicle. We use a refractometer to measure coolant concentration and make sure it provides adequate freeze and boil protection.

After the repairs, your engine should stay within the normal temperature range during city driving, highway cruising, and idling in traffic around Columbia. Your heater will blow hot air in the winter, your temperature gauge will stay in the middle of the range, and you won't see coolant leaks or steam under the hood. A properly functioning cooling system also protects your head gasket, cylinder walls, and other internal engine parts from heat damage.

We replace radiators that are clogged or leaking, water pumps that are no longer circulating coolant, thermostats that stick closed, and hoses that are cracked or swollen. If your vehicle has overheated severely, we may recommend additional diagnostics to check for head gasket damage or warped cylinder heads. Cooling system repair focuses on the parts that regulate temperature and circulate coolant, not on internal engine repairs.

These Concerns Come Up Often

Here are the questions we hear most from drivers in Columbia who are dealing with overheating or cooling system problems.

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What causes an engine to overheat?
Overheating is caused by low coolant levels, a stuck thermostat, a failed water pump, a clogged radiator, or a leaking hose. We pressure-test the system and inspect all components to find the source of the problem.
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How do I know if my water pump is failing?
A failing water pump leaks coolant from the weep hole, makes a grinding or squealing noise, or causes the engine to overheat because it's no longer circulating coolant. We inspect the pump for leaks and listen for bearing noise during the test drive.
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Why is my coolant low even though I don't see leaks?
Coolant can leak internally through a damaged head gasket or heater core, or it can evaporate if the radiator cap isn't sealing properly. We pressure-test the system to locate internal or external leaks and check the cap for proper sealing.
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Can I drive if my engine is overheating?
You should pull over immediately and turn off the engine if the temperature gauge is in the red zone. Driving with an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head, blow the head gasket, or seize the engine completely.
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How often should coolant be replaced?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing coolant every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on the type of coolant your vehicle uses. We check the coolant condition during every cooling system inspection and recommend a flush if it's contaminated or degraded.

If your temperature gauge climbs too high, you see coolant leaking, or your engine has already overheated, T&G Auto Repair LLC can inspect your cooling system, find the cause, and make the repairs needed to prevent further damage. Call (803) 566-2431 or visit our contact page to schedule cooling system repair in Columbia.