During combustion, the temperature in your car’s engine rises significantly. A large portion of this heat is wasted, and must be expelled to keep the assembly from overheating. The job of the cooling system is to help keep this temperature within a manageable range by transferring heat away from the engine. In order to do this, however, several components are necessary.

Your radiator is where heat is allowed to dissipate. A fan is mounted to the radiator to move air through it. Coolant is needed to flow through the engine, absorbing wasted heat and transporting it to the radiator. A water pump ensures the coolant flows where it is needed. Finally, a thermostat is required to monitor the temperature surrounding the engine during operation.

The performance of each part in this system is critical. If any component fails, your engine will overheat, and likely sustain expensive damage in the process. Below, we’ll explain how to make sure your cooling system stays in top condition.

Check and Change The Coolant Periodically

Coolant is filled with special chemicals that prevent rust and corrosion from developing inside the radiator. The problem is, these chemicals begin to break down from continued use. If you neglect to change the fluid periodically, it will continue to transfer heat from the engine to the radiator, but oxidation will occur inside the latter. This leads to rust and corrosion, both of which prevent air from flowing through the assembly. As a result, some of the heat will remain trapped inside the radiator.

So, when should you change the coolant? It depends on your vehicle and the type of fluid you are using in the cooling system. Some fluids need to be changed every 30,000 miles. Others can last over 100,000 miles. If you’re uncertain whether it needs to be changed, use test strips to test the fluid’s alkalinity.

Check The Belts And Hoses

Coolant travels via hoses. Because the hoses are constructed of a rubber material, they are susceptible to heat. Over time, they begin to deteriorate. Cracks develop, leading to coolant leaks.

As noted earlier, the water pump moves the fluid through the cooling system. It is powered by a timing belt. If the belt breaks or fails, the pump will stop working, which will deprive your engine of coolant. This, of course, will lead to overheating.

The good news is that the hoses and timing belt are easy to check. Simply lift your car’s hood to examine them visually. If the hoses have developed cracks, replace them; if the belt appears worn, replace it. Because the timing belt usually needs to be removed in order to replace the water pump, it’s a good idea to change both at the same time.

Test The Thermostat

The thermostat is a valve that acts as a crossing guard between the engine and radiator. If the temperature of the coolant is high enough, the valve opens so the fluid can move from the former to the latter. Otherwise, it remains closed.

If this component fails, and the valve becomes stuck in a closed position, it will prevent coolant from releasing heat absorbed from the engine. Test the thermostat if your engine is showing signs of overheating. If there are no such signs, you can assume this part is working properly.

Check For Leaks If The Fluid Level Is Low

The coolant level should not decline significantly. Less a small amount of evaporation, the level should remain constant. If it drops, there is likely a leak somewhere in the system.

Leaks can develop in a few places, including the hoses. If you’re checking and replacing the hoses on a regular basis, they are unlikely to be the source of the problem. Perform a leak test on the radiator with a block test kit (or, ask your mechanic to do so). If the radiator is fine, check the head gasket. A bad gasket will allow coolant to leak into the engine.

Is The Cooling Fan Working Properly?

As noted, a fan blows air through small vents in the radiator to help dissipate wasted heat from the engine. If you’re traveling at high speeds, the fan is unnecessary since air will move through the assembly on its own. Otherwise, the fan is an important part of your cooling system. If it fails, air flow at low speeds will be significantly reduced. Check the cooling fan periodically to ensure it is working.

Your car’s cooling system is relatively simple in function and operation. But it plays a critical role in the health of your engine.

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Category: Automotive
Keywords: cars, automobiles, car cooling system, vehicle cooling system maintenance