There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your car’s engine light come on and the coolant temperature gauge slowly creep into the red zone as you drive. Ironically, a car can run hot even in the middle of winter. Since keeping your vehicle’s cooling system in good working order can prevent driving mishaps and costly repairs, here are some tips to help you winterize your car - and keep it cool under pressure 365 days of the year.

Your car's cooling system needs periodic inspection and maintenance. It's comprised of of hoses, water pump, thermostat, radiator, coolant fan and antifreeze that keep your car's engine at the proper temperature. The heat generated by your car’s engine runs so hot that a malfunctioning cooling system could ruin your cars’s engine and cost hundreds of dollars to repair. Since your vehicle’s cooling system is constantly working to keep your car from overheating, have your mechanic do a general check at each oil change and an in-depth inspection every 30,000 miles.

A car’s cooling system should act as a completely closed circuit. The exception is your radiator cap, which helps coolant escape if your car runs too hot. Have your radiator cap checked regularly, especially if your car is running hot but no obvious leaks or problems are found elsewhere. If a coolant leak is detected, chances are it is near hoses that are loose or cracked although internal corrosion can also occur and usually results from old coolant that has eaten through radiator piping.

Hot, cold and humid weather all have detrimental effects on your car’s cooling system components such as hoses, belts, radiator etc. Examine belt's and hoses carefully for cracks, holes and punctures. Don’t bother with sealants – just replace a broken hose with one that’s new and in good working order. Inspect the hose clamps to ensure they feel secure.