The answers to many cooling system problems are right under your nose — if you know what to look for.

Due to developments such as front wheel drive, aluminum/plastic radiators, and aluminum head and block castings, the cooling system isn’t what it used to be. Many of us learning the hard way that we’ve got to take cooling system service more seriously these days. We’re learning that the systems are tougher to diagnose and more expensive to repair. And today’s systems, cooling specialists tell us, just don’t tolerate abuse and neglect the way older systems did.

Several cooling system specialists shared the following tips with us. Some of the points may sound almost trite, but these very points are ones that are overlooked more often than you realize.