Vehicle Cooling System - Its Components and Workings Thereon

Posted by hw on February 19th, 2020

So you want to know about the vehicle cooling system! Perhaps, you intend to keep your car in good condition by maintaining the cooling system. Maybe, you wish to get some info on the components of the system and their functions. No matter the reason, having knowledge of your car’s cooling system is always handy. A high-quality system bought from a reliable manufacturer can save you from potential damages and losses. Also, it can help keep your vehicle in good working condition for a long time.

What is the vehicle cooling system?

Not paying heed to your car’s cooling system can lead to overheating. That may bring about a major engine failure or similar issue. All vehicles require regular cooling system maintenance to ensure that the system can regulate the engine’s temperature properly. To do that, the parts of the cooling system work efficiently and avoid major damages, including engine failure. Common parts of any cooling system are detailed below.

Radiator

The radiator is among the parts of the vehicle cooling system that regulates your engine’s temperature. The coolant pumps into the system’s radiator to cool to the desired level before re-circulating through the engine. The radiator allows air passage through the tube to dissipate the heat that’s generated by the engine. By doing so, the radiator cools off the coolant mixture.

In case there’s an issue with the radiator, it may prevent the coolant to move through it. When that happens, the engine could get overheated, posing major damages. In such a situation, you need to clear the debris that might have collected in the radiator. That should fix the issue. If the problem still persists, it might be the right time to call a repairing service.

Water pump

A water pump is considered the work-horse of a vehicle cooling system. It pumps up coolant through the engine, just like your heart pumps blood. The pump draws the anti-freeze cooled from the radiator. Then it pumps the coolant through the engine’s block, cylinder head, heater core, and subsequently to the radiator.

Although a water pump is a highly durable device, it can pose issues at times. Perhaps, the pump has started malfunctioning. If so, it will prevent the whole circulation process. So, check the pump regularly for possible problems. Don’t try a DIY approach to fix the pump. Rather, call a professional service to look into the problem.

Freeze plug

It’s a steel plug meant for sealing holes in the cylinder heads and the engine block created due to the casting process. During freezing temperatures, the plug might push out if there isn’t adequate anti-freeze protection. When this is the issue, try to add the necessary anti-freeze protection. The issue should get resolved quickly. In case the coolant system still presents problems, check other parts.

Timing cover gasket or head cover gasket

It seals off the major engine parts. Plus, it prevents oil, cylinder pressure, and anti-freeze from mixing together. If the gasket performs inefficiently, cylinder pressure, anti-freeze, and oil could mix. When that happens, it’ll affect the working of the cooling system. Consequently, your vehicle’s engine will under-perform or malfunction, leading to a major issue sooner or later.

Replacing the malfunctioning or worn out gasket will fix the issue. However, you should identify the problem sooner to avoid the punctuating of problems. For that, don’t forget to check the vehicle cooling system and its varied parts regularly.

Heater core

It provides heat to your car’s interior. The heater core pulls up the heat discharged from the anti-freeze and pulled in by the blower motor. If your vehicle doesn’t get enough heat, it’s an indication that the heater core is malfunctioning. In most situations, the heater core could cause odor, steam, or actual dripping within the vehicle when it starts leaking. Changing the core is a better bet to resolve the problem.

Thermostat

It controls the engine’s minimum operating temperature. It gets closed while the engine is cold to speed up the warming process. When the normal operating temperature is attained, the thermostat opens up and allows the coolant and anti-freeze to get through the radiator.

As the engine’s temperature can fluctuate, the thermostat plays a key role in regulating the coolant’s flow throughout the engine. That helps to control the fluid temperature, making them cool less or more as per the need of the hour. If you identify any major changes in the engine’s normal temperature, you’re better off checking the thermostat. Have it checked and repaired or replaced for betterment.

Hoses

They connect the main components of the vehicle cooling system. Essentially, they serve as a bypass for the components. As a smart vehicle owner, you should check the hoses for proper connection. Connect loose or disconnected hoses to relevant parts. Also, change the hoses once in every four years regardless of their appearance. Plus, if you identify any leaks, change the hoses instantly to avoid major blunders from popping up.

Fan clutch

It senses the air temperature coming from the radiator. Depending on the heat and coolness, the fan either binds or slips to ensure the desired quantity of air from the radiator. If the fan clutch gets damaged, it won’t pull up or slip enough air. That can affect the engine’s working and pose problems. Check the fan clutch periodically and fix any issues thereon on time.

Electric cooling fan

As the name indicates, the job of this fan is to cool the temperature. Because of the traverse-mounted engine, most cars use this fan. A system of sensors turns the fan on and relays when the temperature of the engine reaches about 230 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the temperature dips below 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the fan turns off, thus keeping the desired temperature levels. When you carry out regular maintenance, see to it that the fan is working properly. If not, repair it or change it as the situation may be.

Bottom line

The above discussion highlights the important components of a vehicle cooling system and their workings. A single mistake with any part can pose problems and bring about major engine failure. So, make sure you check the cooling system regularly and take suitable steps to maintain the system. Above all, buy the cooling system from a reputed manufacturer to enhance its longevity and keep potential problems at bay.