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Engine Cooling System Components

Radiator — Coolant that has traveled through the engine is pumped through the tubes of the radiator and is cooled off for another round. The center of the radiator is called the core. Cooling fins surround the core. While you drive, air passes through the fins, the coolant releases its heat to the fins, which dissipate the heat. If your car is parked, an auxiliary fan may turn on to provide some cooling. Anti-freeze corrosion inhibitors help keep the coolant pathways clear. Radiator leaks can cause loss of coolant. Corrosion can result in either leaks or blockages. If there is not a full flow of coolant through the radiator, there will not be a sufficient heat loss through the radiator. The coolant will not cool completely and that can result in short term problems, long term problems, and maybe even engine failure.

Radiator top hose helps move the coolant from one place to another. It should be sturdy and flexible enough to handle engine vibration and high heat, and should not have any leaks. If the engine is cold, try to squeeze the hose. If you can easily squeeze the hose you should probably have it replaced. If you aren’t sure which is the cooling hose, stop by for a free inspection.

Radiator bottom hose helps move the coolant from one place to another. It should be sturdy and flexible enough to handle engine vibration and high heat, and should not have any leaks. If the engine is cold, try to squeeze the hose. If you can easily squeeze the hose you should probably have it replaced. If you aren’t sure which is the cooling hose, stop by for a free inspection.

The radiator cap is designed to seal the cooling system to a specific pressure.

Water pump is the heart of the engine cooling system. It pumps coolant through the whole cooling system, and into the engine block. It is usually driven by a belt. Our free inspection will check to see the belt’s condition.

Thermostat — just like on your home furnace, water tank, or air conditioner, the engine thermostat keeps the engine at the proper operating temperature. The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant so that depending on the temperature of the coolant and the engine it cools down more or less. It rests in a housing just after the radiator bottom hose.

Thermostat Housing

Electric cooling fan pushes air through the radiator when the engine is running but the vehicle is not moving or for when the coolant temperature is too high.

Thermo-time switch or fan switch senses the coolant temperature and starts or stops the electric cooling fan

  • What is a cooling system?

    Your cooling system is what keeps your car from a catastrophic failure. If your engine didn’t have some way to cool off, it would turn into a frozen block of metal . The purpose of the cooling system is to take heat away from the engine. Lack of cooling can cause… Read More

  • Inspection

    Engine combustion temperatures can reach 2000° F and higher. If your engine is running hotter than normal, either shortly after starting or over time, it’s probably time for an inspection.Check to see if there is any green, orange, or yellow fluid spots or puddles under your vehicle. If there is,… Read More

  • Antifreeze

    The primary differences between the different brands of antifreeze are the type and/or quantity of anti-corrosion additives that are used. Ethylene glycol is the primary component of anti-freeze, and this never wears out but the anti-corrosion additives do. That’s one reason why antifreeze should be changed every two years (except… Read More

  • Engine Cooling System Components

    Radiator — Coolant that has traveled through the engine is pumped through the tubes of the radiator and is cooled off for another round. The center of the radiator is called the core. Cooling fins surround the core. While you drive, air passes through the fins, the coolant releases its heat… Read More
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