It should come as no surprise that your engine gets hot. With many repeated controlled explosions of fuel happening every second to power your vehicle, it's easy to understand why you need a good cooling system doing its job to prevent the car from overheating.
In this article, LightHouse Automotive shares the basic information you need to know about your vehicle's cooling system, its key components and standard maintenance tips.
Radiator and Coolant
The cooling system component most people are at least somewhat familiar with is the radiator. It's what houses the coolant (aka "antifreeze") that ultimately helps regulate the temperature of the engine. Radiator fluid is bright yellow/green in color, and you should always make sure that the fill level is where it needs to be. If the fluid level is low, you notice a leak or the fluid itself is burnt/dark, it could be a sign of a bigger problem that you should get checked out by an automotive repair expert.
Fans, Belts and Hoses
Numerous fans, belts and hoses can be found in the cooling system. These are all important parts that need to be in good condition for the system to work properly. It's a good idea to get these components inspected regularly to help prevent further issues.
Thermostat
The thermostat is what controls the temperature regulation while also tracking the temperature of the engine itself. Needless to say, it's an important part that you need to make sure is working accurately to avoid overheating.
Water Pump
The water pump is one of the most important components of the cooling system. Coolant is pumped from the radiator through the water pump and into the engine compartment to keep the temperature regulated. It's not uncommon for water pumps to fail over time, so they should be replaced if any signs of trouble are found.
Transmission Cooler
Your vehicle's transmission also depends on the cooling system to regulate temperature, therefore it has a transmission cooler that needs to be maintained and flushed from time to time.
Heater Core
As the heated fluid is expelled from the engine, it runs through the heater core to be recirculated back through the system. The heater core is what helps produce heat inside the vehicle if you have the heater/defroster on.
Air-Cooled Systems
Some older cars and specialty vehicles may have an air-cooled system that require specialized knowledge and experience to service and repair. However, most vehicles will use the liquid-based cooling system as described above.
Whatever type of cooling system you have, you can count on the Colorado Springs auto repair professionals at LightHouse Automotive to help with repairs, maintenance, fluid flushes and other services. If your car is overheating or having trouble warming up on cold winter mornings, it's a good idea to get your cooling system inspected. Call our shop today at (719) 465-0302 or schedule a service appointment online.
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