Service Smart Saturday = November 23rd
The Cooling System
The Engine Cooling System, What is it?
The engine cooling system affects your car's overall dependability and engine longevity. Cooling systems have advanced over the years with new coolant formulations and new radiator designs and materials.
The key parts of the cooling system remove heat from the engine and automatic transmission and dissipate it outside. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. The coolant absorbs the heat and returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated. The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine operation.
Research performed by Gates (a leading producer of cooling system parts to vehicle manufacturers) shows:
- 40% of radiator failure is due to coolant contamination.
- 95% of water pump failure is due to coolant contamination.
Healthy, balanced coolant is the key for long term vehicle coolant health. Learn more about the flush process. And if you have the cooling system flushed before 100,000 miles your vehicle will be enrolled in the BG Protection Plan which covers major expenses such as radiator, heater core and water pumps!
Remember when a vehicle overheats it is important to always replace the thermostat, perform a full flush and replace the engine oil in addition to replacing the source of the overheating problem.
Learn More About Cooling System Parts
The cooling system refers to your engine. It is important not to confuse the cooling system with the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System.
Parts of the Engine Cooling System
Radiator
Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses
Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses
Function: The radiator transfers heat from the engine's coolant to the outside air while the radiator cap seals and pressurizes the system.
Signs of Wear: Radiator: Leaking, engine overheating, rusting, physical damage. Cap: Lack of pressure in cooling system, vapor escaping from cap, ill-fitting cap, worn gasket.
Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses
Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses
Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses
Function: The hoses route coolant throughout the engine while the hose clamps secure the hoses in place.
Signs of Wear: Indications of hose leaking, cracking, splitting, hardening, brittleness or lack of heat in vehicle cabin.
Hoses have a service life of approximately 10 years or 100,000 miles
Thermostat & Gasket
Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses
Thermostat & Gasket
Function: Maintains proper engine operating temperature and allows the engine to warm up faster.
Signs of Wear: Engine overheating, lack of available heat in the vehicle cabin, as well as reduced fuel economy.
The thermostat maintains engine temperature by flushing hot coolant and replacing it with unheated. When a vehicle overheats is always advisable to replace the thermostat
Radiator Cap
Radiator Fan Motor Assembly w/Fan
Thermostat & Gasket
Function: The radiator cap allows coolant to escape to an external reservoir when coolant pressure becomes too high. When the spring in the radiator cap becomes weak, the coolant fluid is able to escape from the cooling system sooner than the ideal pressure. This lower pressure level also results in the coolant boiling at a lower temperature. The radiator cap pressure capability is easily tested using a cap tester, and the cap should be replaced whenever the spring becomes weak.
Signs of Wear: Weak spring.
Radiator Fan Motor Assembly w/Fan
Radiator Fan Motor Assembly w/Fan
Radiator Fan Motor Assembly w/Fan
Function: Drives the radiator fan to move additional air through the radiator.
Signs of Wear: Engine overheating, fan doesn't turn, squealing noise.
Water Pump
Radiator Fan Motor Assembly w/Fan
Radiator Fan Motor Assembly w/Fan
Function: Circulates coolant through the radiator and engine system to maintain proper engine temperature.
Signs of Wear: Engine overheating, leaking coolant, excessive looseness in water pump shaft. rumbling nose in pump.
The water pump pushes coolant through the engine, and is driven by either a timing belt or a serpentine belt.
Heater Hoses
Heater Hoses
Heater Hoses
Function: Routes the heating and air conditioning system's liquid and gas.
Signs of Wear: Evidence of hose leaking, cracking or hardening, brittleness or lack of heat/cooling within the cabin.
Heater Core
Heater Hoses
Heater Hoses
Function: A small radiator through which engine coolant flows in order to heat the air entering the cabin.
Signs of Wear: Sweet-smelling vapor coming through the defroster or other cabin vents, insufficient or lack of heat in the cabin