Crucial Details About Auto Cooling Systems—Here's What You Need To Know
A vehicle's engine radiates immense heat that can damage it without an auto cooling system. The system helps eliminate excess heat from the engine to maintain its optimal functioning temperature for better performance. However, the auto cooling system can break down. Unless you seek timely auto cooling system repair services, you risk the engine overheating and breaking down, meaning your vehicle stops moving.
What Is an Auto Cooling System?
A vehicle's cooling system contains a liquid coolant circulating through the engine. The liquid absorbs the engine's heat and flows to the radiator, where an airflow cools it down before it's cycled through the engine again. The process continues until the vehicle stops and the engine no longer radiates heat. The cooling system keeps the engine's temperature constant regardless of the environmental condition.
Types of Auto Cooling Systems
There are two types of auto cooling systems. These are air-cooled and water-cooled systems. In an air-cooled system, the cylinder head and wall have extended surfaces or fins attached to them, which absorb the heat generated. The fins dissipate heat when the cool air flows through them, allowing the engine to cool down significantly. Air-cooled systems are perfect for small engines and require regular maintenance to ensure the fins are in optimal condition.
Water-cooled systems rely on water to cool the engine. In this system, the water covers the cylinder head, valves, and other crucial engine parts, where it absorbs heat and flows to the radiator where there is a fan. The fan's activity and cooled air from the vehicle's forward motion cool the water significantly. The water is then returned to the engine, where the process repeats. The water should also easily withstand freezing and boiling temperatures without damaging the engine. Antifreeze helps with freezing temperatures, allowing the cooling system to function correctly in freezing temperatures.
Common Auto Cooling Problems and Their Causes
A vehicle's cooling system can face three significant problems: water pump failure, leaky radiator hoses, and thermostat failure. Water pump failure results from the serpentine belt failing to act as a pulley, causing the pump to inject inadequate water around the cooling system. Leaky radiator hoses reduce water pressure in the hoses, reducing the water flow's velocity within the cooling system. That leaves the engine with excessive heat that could damage it. Leaky radiator hoses are a result of poor maintenance. The thermostat determines the amount of coolant circulating in the engine for maximum cooling. A thermostat failure can make the entire cooling system malfunction, which is detrimental to the engine.
Conclusion
An auto cooling system effectively keeps the engine operational and in good condition. If you suspect the system isn't working as needed, contact an expert auto repair shop for immediate car AC repair.
Reach out to a company like A-1 Auto AC Specialist & General Auto Repair Inc for more information.