Moving up the ladder adds more standard features, so, logically Premier model is best-loaded to be the right choice. Chevrolet offers only a single powertrain option with the whole Sonic lineup: 1.4-liter turbo-4, 6-speed automatic transmission, and FWD. The prices are excluding Chevrolet's $875 destination charges, tax, and other expenses. What is the Price of the 2021 Chevrolet Sonic?įor the 2021 model year, Chevy Sonic sedan lineup starts at an MSRP of $17,595 for LS and goes upto $21,595 for top-range Premier. Even with the thinning subcompact market, The 2021 Sonic faces tough competition from the compact sedans such as Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio. It offers a comfortable ride and adequate features within reach of common man such as Wi-Fi. Standard automatic transmission with front-wheel-drive is the only constant. The Sonic's familiar 1.4-liter turbo four-pot engine is stock this year, with 138 horsepower on tap. Though this basic transporter needs a little more spending to become a utilitarian and enjoyable subcompact sedan. When a gasket blows and coolant seeps in, the issue is not only that the engine will overheat, but also that damage may be done to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors due to contamination from the coolant.The entry-level 2021 Chevrolet Sonic drives on a clear principle of basic commuting. This acts as a “high speed” option for the fan, and when engaged, it draws more air across the radiator.īlown head gasket: The head gaskets sit between the engine block and the cylinder heads, and keep coolant from entering the engine’s oil and combustion chamber. The fan clutch uses a bi-metallic spring that tightens when the temperature increases. When the coolant temperature sensor notices that the coolant temperature is getting too high, the engine control unit (on newer vehicles) will initiate the cooling fan to reduce the temperature.īroken thermostatic fan clutch: Older vehicles use a thermostatic fan clutch to engage the engine cooling fan, which is mounted to the fan blades. This will not usually result in overheating, but it will waste gas.īroken engine cooling fan: The engine has a cooling fan that is deployed when the coolant needs some extra help. A stuck thermometer may stay permanently sealed and therefore keep the coolant from reaching the engine block. Once the engine has reached its operating temperature, the thermostat opens and allows the coolant to circulate. When the engine first turns on, and it is still cold, the thermostat keeps the coolant from circulating, which allows the engine to warm up as quickly as possible. Stuck thermostat: The thermostat acts as a dam for the coolant. The most common water pump problems are a leaking pump, bad bearings, or an impeller that has rotted away due to a low coolant ratio.
After the coolant transfers its heat energy to the air, the water pump recirculates it around the engine so that it can absorb more heat.
Based on the temperature of the coolant, the engine control unit adjusts the ignition timing, the fuel injector pulse, and the operation of the electric cooling fan.īad water pump: The water pump is responsible for keeping the coolant cycling throughout the engine. These air dams are essential in newer vehicles, as they force the air through the fan shroud.įaulty coolant temperature sensor: The temperature sensor takes constant readings of the coolant temperature and sends that information to the engine control unit.
If this is broken or missing then the air can pass underneath the vehicle but not also through the radiator, which will cause overheating. When the fan shroud breaks or becomes dislodged, air fails to enter the radiator, and the coolant will no longer have a place to direct the transfer of heat.īroken or missing air dam: Along with the shroud, some vehicles have an air dam (or deflector) underneath the vehicle. A proper ratio of antifreeze to water is 50/50 to 60/40, depending on the vehicle.īroken radiator fan shroud: The radiator fan shroud directs the airflow across the radiator so the air can absorb the coolant’s heat. Too little or even too much antifreeze can dramatically lower the boiling point of the coolant. The proper ratio of coolant to water can also get distorted, resulting in a problem. While your car will naturally lose small amounts of coolant over the years, a leak is the most likely cause of low coolant levels. If your car doesn’t have enough coolant, then it can’t absorb enough heat.