Are you a vehicle owner or mechanic? Then you will definitely need to know about the cooling system components of the engine of your car. Because the cooling system is used to cool down the engine of your vehicle.
In today's topic, you will learn about the major parts of a cooling system in an engine and how they work together. We have also wrote the importance and maintenance advice for your help.
6 Main Components of Cooling System in Engine
Radiator & Radiator Cap
Your radiator works as a big cooler for your vehicle. Generally, it is made up of aluminum. Basically, hot coolant enters into the radiator, here the airflow cools it down. After that cooled liquid is sended back to the engine. If we talk about the inner parts of the radiator there are thin metal tubes which are used to remove the heat.
The radiator cap maintains the pressure of the system. This pressure handles the higher heat of the coolant, in this way it does not boil or evaporate at higher temperature.
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Radiator parts |
Function for cooling system |
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Cooling fins |
Transfer heat from the tubes to the surrounding air |
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Inlet Port |
Allows hot coolant to enter the radiator |
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Outlet Port |
Used to transfer cooled coolant toward engine |
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Maintain the pressure |
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Drain Plug |
You can drain coolant in case of maintenance |
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Side Bracket |
Hold the radiator with the vehicle |
Water Pump
This is the main part of your cooling system. Actually, it circulates the coolant between the radiator and engine of your vehicle. This pump is turned by a belt or timing chain which is connected with the engine.
So, when the water pump spins, the impeller (present inside the pump) pushes the coolant from the radiator to the engine. At this place the liquid absorbs the heat from the engine. Then the hot coolant returns back to the radiator.
Thermostat
Well, it is a small door or valve which is located between the engine and radiator of your car. This is the main path which allows coolant to move toward the radiator but at a certain temperature. Actually, this small tool has paraffin wax, it senses the temperature and opens the valve when the engine reaches 82 to 90° C. The main purpose of the thermostat is to warm up the engine on time.
Cooling Fan
It is installed behind the radiator, it pulls air through the radiator. Especially, when you drive slowly or get stuck in a traffic jam. Actually at such a time, the natural air is not enough to cool down the hot coolant. The air of this fan passes through the fins of the radiator and reduces the temperature.
Radiator Hoses (Upper & Lower)
Radiator hoses are flexible rubber or silicon tubes. These tubes carry coolant between engine & radiator. Generally, upper hose transport hot coolant from engine to radiator and has a larger diameter.
On the other hand, the lower hose is comparatively small in diameter which returns cooled liquid toward the engine. These hoses deal with heat and pressure all the time so they can wear out or get cracked gradually. So, you must replace them on time.
Heater Core & Heater Hose
You find it under the dashboard, it works as a mini radiator. This small device uses hot coolant from the engine and warms the air which blows into the cabin. If the heater of your car suddenly stops blowing warm air, the heater core and hoses are some of the first parts you have to check.
Other Related Cooling System Parts
Coolant Reservoir/Overflow Tank: This is the place where the coolant goes when it gets extra heat & needs some time to cool down. So, when the engine of your car comes back at its normal temperature this coolant pulls back into the system. Therefore, nothing gets wasted.
Freeze Plugs: As their name suggests, these are small plugs which are used to block the holes of the engine. They do not move the coolant but if they get cracks then the coolant can leak out from the engine.
Serpentine Belt: It is a one long belt, it provides power to the several parts of your vehicles. Like the water pump which pulls the coolant. That is why, if this belt breaks, the movement of the coolant will be stopped.
Coolant Temperature Sensor: This is the part which tracks the temperature of coolant. Moreover, it sends this information toward the computer system of your car. As you know, computer systems control the temperature gauge. Hence, it turns on the fan according to the information of the sensors.
Coolant/Antifreeze: Well, it is made to resist cooling in winters and boiling in summers. This is the actual liquid which absorbs the heat from the engine & carries it away.
How Does a Cooling System Work?
The cooling system of your vehicle follows a simple cycle which is repeated again and again. These are 6 basic steps:
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The water pump starts the movement of coolant from the engine toward the block of engine. In this way, the coolant moves all the time.
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When the engine gets warm the thermostat opens the valve and the coolant flows toward the radiator. The coolant uses the upper radiator hose for this purpose.
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In the radiator, the coolant passes through thin tubes and fins. This is the place where the outer air or a slow speed fan pulls the heat out.
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When the coolant releases its heat and cools down, it returns back toward the engine via a lower radiator hose.
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When it reaches the engine the water pump pushes the hot coolant again toward the radiator.
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In this cycle, the radiator cap maintains the overall pressure. Furthermore, if your engine produces extra heat then over heated coolant is transferred into the overflow tank.
Importance of Cooling System in Engine
Why cooling system is important in an engine? As you know, the engine produces a large amount of heat when you drive your car. So, if your car does not have any cooling system the heat can cause serious damages. These are some benefits that you get from a good cooling system.
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This system protects all the major parts of the engine like gasket, radiator, hoses and piston. In this way, it improves the overall performance of your vehicle.
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If the engine is at the right temperature, it uses fuel efficiently and gives you better mileage.
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It reduces the harmful emissions from your engine. Because the fuel burns out in a clean way.
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The cooling system provides a longer life to the engine of your car because a cooled engine has less chances of damage.
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The engine oil remains in good condition and lubricates the engine parts in a proper way.
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This system also helps the condenser of the AC, release its heat and make the cabin comfortable in summers.
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Moreover, it protects you from sudden breakdowns especially on long drives and in heavy traffic.
Cooling System Maintenance
You must take care of your cooling system because its maintenance does not require too much effort. But if you do not maintain it, the engine starts to produce extra heat which wears out other parts of the engine. Therefore, you can face much expensive repairs.
Cooling System Maintenance Checklist
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Maintenance Task |
Time Duration |
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Check out coolant level |
Every month |
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Inspect hoses for cracks or leaks |
3 to 6 months |
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Check hose clamps & connections |
Every 3 to 6 months |
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Inspect radiator |
After 6 months |
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Clean dirt and debris from radiator fins |
One time in a year |
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Cooling fan inspection |
Every 6 months |
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Belt and tension condition |
After six months |
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Radiator cap checking |
In regular maintenance |
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Coolant condition |
During regular service |
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Replace coolant |
According to the manufacturers guide |
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Check the entire system for leakage |
Every time you change the oil |
To Sum Up
You have to take care of the cooling system components. Because they are an important part of your engine. They prevent overheating, breakdowns, protect other parts and assure the performance of your car.
If you need reliable plus durable hoses for the cooling system of your car, we are here for you. Our company RONTEIX manufactures premium silicone hoses, rubber hoses, radiator hoses, coolant hoses, heater hoses & hose clamps that meet all the quality standards your engine need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Remove Air Pockets in Cooling Systems?
Park your car on a leveled ground, then open the bleed screw to release the trapped air. Now, add the coolant slowly, you should do this until it flows without any bubbles. When the air is removed, you can tighten up the bleed screw.
How to Bleed Cooling System Without Bleeder Valve?
You should raise the front of the car, so the trapped air can move toward the radiator. Right now, you would turn the heater to full heat so the coolant can flow through the heater core. After that remove the radiator cap and allow the trapped air to pass out. Simply, add the required amount of coolant and make sure there are no bubbles present.
How to Flush a Cooling System?
You should open the radiator drain valve and let the old coolant drain into a container. Then close the valve, fill the radiator with clean or distilled water. You should turn on the engine for about 15 minutes. Then drain the water and repeat the rinse if needed. Now, close the valve and refill the system with the correct coolant mix. Finally, turn on the engine, keep heater on to remove trapped air & add more coolant if needed.
