Your vehicle’s engine is the hard-working part under the hood that keeps your vehicle moving. The engine cooling system regulates the overall temperature of the engine to make the journey hassle-free. The cooling system distributes the coolant through the engine parts to absorb the heat. The heated fluid is sent to the radiator and cooled before being recirculated throughout the engine.
This complete process protects engine parts to maintain seamless engine performance during different driving conditions. If you want to know more about the process, components, and relevant details, go through the words below.
What is an Engine Cooling System?
An engine cooling system has several parts that work together to keep the engine temperature controlled. Usually, the cooling fluid is a combination of water and antifreeze. This compound spreads throughout the engine block and absorbs the unnecessary heat from pistons, cylinder heads, cylinders, etc.
You must maintain the engine cooling system to protect the engine from overheating damage. These kinds of damage cause expensive repairs. You can simply opt out of routine checkups and maintain the coolant level to prevent any such issue.
Why is the Engine Cooling System Important?
Here’s why the engine cooling system is vital.
- Prevents overheating: Without a proper cooling system, engine parts can be bent or twisted. Changes in shape cause damage to those parts. The cooling system protects parts from overheating.
- Improves fuel efficiency: If the temperature is stable, your car engine can optimise combustion. As a result, it can save fuel and lower emissions.
- Extends engine life: Finally, if your engine has a properly working cooling system, you can avoid any kind of costly repairs. Also, you can preserve the resale value of your vehicle by preventing heat-related issues.
Main Component of the Engine Cooling System
Check the list of the engine cooling system components.
- Radiator
The radiator is the main heat exchanger. It dissipates the excess heat in the engine. Coolant absorbs the excess heat and flows into the radiator when circulating through the engine. Inside the radiator, the heat comes in contact with air and gets cooled down before further circulation.
- Coolant
Coolant is a combination of water and antifreeze. This absorbs the heat from the engine to keep the engine in effective working condition. Also, coolant prevents freezing in winter and protects the engine from corrosion. You should always keep an eye on the coolant level to maintain the cooling system in proper working order.
- Water pump
This component maintains a constant flow of the coolant. Also, it ensures efficient heat transfer. Without a proper water pump, the engine will overheat.
- Thermostat
The thermostat manages coolant flow based on the surrounding environment. In the winter season, it remains closed to help the engine warm up quickly. In the hot weather, it opens up to maintain the optimal flow of the coolant.
- Cooling fans
This helps to draw air through the radiator to enhance the heat-absorbing process.
- Pressure cap and expansion tank
These two parts manage the pressure of the coolant throughout the engine cooling system. They also take care of any kind of leakage or overflow of the coolant.
How the Engine Cooling System Works
Here’s how the engine cooling system works:
- Circulation of coolant
The coolant flows through the engine block. While flowing, it absorbs the heat from the engine combustion.
- Transfer of the heat
The heated coolant then goes through the radiation to dissipate the heat into the air. The constant airflow is maintained with the fan.
- Cooling and recirculation
When the complete heat is released from the coolant, it is circulated again to absorb more heat. This cycle continues.
- Regulation of temperature
The coolant’s flow is controlled with the thermostat. It maintains the engine temperature as needed.
Types of Engine Cooling Systems
There are two main cooling systems for the engine, as mentioned here.
- Air-cooled system
This system uses air to dissipate heat from the metal or engine block. The air-cooled system is lighter and does not require any heavy parts like radiators or water pumps. The only drawback is that the system can not work efficiently like any similar system.
- Liquid-cooled system
Nowadays, liquid-cooled systems are adopted in vehicles. Distributing coolant through the engine is the primary process in the liquid-cooled system. The coolant absorbs the heat and then transmits the heat to the radiator. A continuous airflow cools down the coolant, and it is ready to be circulated again. The overall process is quite complex, but it can maintain accurate temperature control for effective engine condition.
Common Problems of the Engine Cooling System
Here are the details of the common problems of the engine cooling system.
- Thermostat failure
If the thermostat is not in a proper working state, it will prevent heat dissipation. Use a temperature gun and check the temperature around the thermostat area. If the engine starts overheating while starting the vehicle, but the radiator hose is cold enough, you should replace the thermostat.
- Clogged radiator
As the radiator is a key component, if it is clogged, it can slow down the entire cooling system. Clean any dirt buildup to keep radiator in a functional state.
- Leakage in the cooling system
Any leak in the cooling system will significantly affect the system. Use a cooling system pressure tester to check the condition. You can use a coolant dye to visually check for any leakages.
- Failed water pump
In case there is a failure in the water pump, it will cause overheating issues. You can visually check the circulation by opening the pressure cap of the engine system.
Engine Cooling System Maintenance Tips
Here are a few ways to take care of your vehicle’s engine cooling system.
- Keep checking the coolant level regularly.
- Always check whether there is any leak in the overall cooling system. Leaks can cause malfunctioning of the cooling system.
- You can also flush the cooling system to remove any kind of contaminants to get optimised performance.
- Make sure that belts, hoses, thermostat, radiator, and relevant parts are well-maintained and have no corrosion. It will ensure the smooth performance of the engine of your car.
- Do follow the manufacturing details and recommendations only to avoid any hassle.
Summary
Your car engine needs a properly maintained engine cooling system. It will ensure the optimum engine health for a long time. Always check the coolant level or any overheating issues and take appropriate measures to keep your car’s engine functional. For further information, you can check for any updates regarding the cooling system.
FAQs About Engine Cooling System
How often should I change my car’s coolant?
You should change the car’s coolant every 2-5 years.
Can I drive with a defective engine cooling system?
You shouldn’t drive after identifying a faulty cooling system to avoid any overheating issues.
Are antifreeze and coolant similar?
Antifreeze is a concentrated chemical(glycol + inhibitors). When antifreeze is mixed proportionately with water, it works as a coolant.
How can I identify a radiator clog?
If you experience frequent engine overheating, check the radiator. You may find dirt buildup or corrosion around the radiator.
