Understanding the Cooling System in Your CarStay out of hot water - know how your car's cooling system works and what to look out for.
Added Feb 24, 07 by pat
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Understanding the Cooling System in Your Car
Your car's cooling system is critical to safe, dependable operation and long engine life. Aside from the oil and lubrication system, the cooling system comprises the most critical set of components under the hood. Whenever an engine is running, it generates heat. This heat is caused by the process of combustion occurring inside the cylinders as well as by the friction between the internal engine parts. The cooling system is designed to transfer that heat from within the engine to the surrounding air. A series of passages are cut through the interior of the engine block and cylinder heads. These passages are connected to the radiator via rubber hoses forming a continuous loop.
The Radiator
The radiator is the primary component in the cooling system. It's located in the front of the engine compartment just behind the grille and it's composed of metal tubing and thousands of small metal fins. Circulated by the water pump, the engine coolant passes through the engine gathering heat before entering the radiator. As the coolant passes through the metal tubing inside the radiator, the fins dissipate the engine heat into the air. The coolant then recirculates through the engine and the process begins again. Remember that for maximum efficiency, the fluid in the system should be a 50-50 mix of water and coolant, otherwise the system may not cool the engine properly. You can buy an inexpensive antifreeze tester at a local auto parts store and test the mixture yourself.
The Fan
Another component in the cooling system is the radiator fan. In most driving situations, the fan is not necessary. As the car moves down the road air passes over the radiator removing heat from the coolant passing through it. But what happens when your car is standing still? This is where the fan comes in. The fan creates air flow over the radiator when your car is moving slowly or is at a standstill. In older cars, the fan was connected directly to the engine via a fan belt. In newer cars, fans are electrically powered. They come on only when a sensor in the cooling system detects the need for additional airflow.
The Thermostat
An inexpensive but crucial component in the cooling system is the thermostat. The thermostat is a simple spring-loaded device that expands and contracts with the temperature of the engine. It's located inside the cooling system within the path of coolant flow. The thermostat regulates how quickly or slowly coolant moves through the system. In winter, for instance, it may be shut all the way. In summer it likely stays fully open.
Troubleshooting
As with any automotive system, your cooling system is subject to breakdown. Common problems include a sticking thermostat, a broken water pump, aging hoses, faulty sensors or a broken fan. Most common of all, though, is leakage. A leaking cooling system can lead to an overheated engine, something you definitely want to avoid.
If your temperature gauges are reading too hot, check under your car for leaks. If you see any signs of leakage, get your car to a mechanic at once. Also check your owner's manual. It will have a recommended time and mileage interval for having your cooling system serviced. Be sure to follow this recommended schedule. Ignoring it could land you in hot water - literally.
Your car's cooling system is critical to safe, dependable operation and long engine life. Aside from the oil and lubrication system, the cooling system comprises the most critical set of components under the hood. Whenever an engine is running, it generates heat. This heat is caused by the process of combustion occurring inside the cylinders as well as by the friction between the internal engine parts. The cooling system is designed to transfer that heat from within the engine to the surrounding air. A series of passages are cut through the interior of the engine block and cylinder heads. These passages are connected to the radiator via rubber hoses forming a continuous loop.
The Radiator
The radiator is the primary component in the cooling system. It's located in the front of the engine compartment just behind the grille and it's composed of metal tubing and thousands of small metal fins. Circulated by the water pump, the engine coolant passes through the engine gathering heat before entering the radiator. As the coolant passes through the metal tubing inside the radiator, the fins dissipate the engine heat into the air. The coolant then recirculates through the engine and the process begins again. Remember that for maximum efficiency, the fluid in the system should be a 50-50 mix of water and coolant, otherwise the system may not cool the engine properly. You can buy an inexpensive antifreeze tester at a local auto parts store and test the mixture yourself.
The Fan
Another component in the cooling system is the radiator fan. In most driving situations, the fan is not necessary. As the car moves down the road air passes over the radiator removing heat from the coolant passing through it. But what happens when your car is standing still? This is where the fan comes in. The fan creates air flow over the radiator when your car is moving slowly or is at a standstill. In older cars, the fan was connected directly to the engine via a fan belt. In newer cars, fans are electrically powered. They come on only when a sensor in the cooling system detects the need for additional airflow.
The Thermostat
An inexpensive but crucial component in the cooling system is the thermostat. The thermostat is a simple spring-loaded device that expands and contracts with the temperature of the engine. It's located inside the cooling system within the path of coolant flow. The thermostat regulates how quickly or slowly coolant moves through the system. In winter, for instance, it may be shut all the way. In summer it likely stays fully open.
Troubleshooting
As with any automotive system, your cooling system is subject to breakdown. Common problems include a sticking thermostat, a broken water pump, aging hoses, faulty sensors or a broken fan. Most common of all, though, is leakage. A leaking cooling system can lead to an overheated engine, something you definitely want to avoid.
If your temperature gauges are reading too hot, check under your car for leaks. If you see any signs of leakage, get your car to a mechanic at once. Also check your owner's manual. It will have a recommended time and mileage interval for having your cooling system serviced. Be sure to follow this recommended schedule. Ignoring it could land you in hot water - literally.
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