Posted on 11/28/2025
Hearing a radiator fan whirring after you shut the engine off can feel strange, especially on a quiet Eugene street. Sometimes it is completely normal. Other times it hints at heat problems or an electrical fault that deserves a check. Here is how to tell the difference, plus simple steps to keep the cooling system healthy. When a Running Fan Is Normal Many late-model cars are programmed to run the fan for a few minutes after shutdown. The goal is to pull heat out of the radiator, condenser, and engine bay so trapped heat does not spike temperatures. On some turbocharged engines, the fan pairs with an electric after-run pump that circulates coolant to protect the turbo and prevent hotspots. A brief, steady fan cycle that stops on its own is usually normal behavior. Heat Soak on Hot Days After you park, the coolant stops circulating and the underhood temperatures rise. This “heat soak” can push sensor readings higher than they were whi ... read more