Overheating

The cooling system keeps the engine from overheating by moving heat away from the engine. That sounds pretty simple. Right? But there are lots of components to make the whole thing work right.

The radiator is the part most everyone associates with the cooling system, coolant flows through the radiator which has narrow tubes and fins which draws the heat out of the coolant and

dissipates it into the air. To make sure there is enough air flowing through the radiator, a fan pulls the air into the cooling fins even when the car is idling.

Water hoses connect the engine to the radiator, the engine block has passages for the coolant to pass through without getting into the oil, while the coolant is passing through, it absorbs heat from the engine and carriers it to the radiator.

Between the engine and the radiator there is a gatekeeper called the thermostat, its job is to regulate the temperature of the engine.

The last part I want to talk about is the over flow reservoir. It is designed to hold some of the coolant, it will have marks to indicate whether or not you have enough coolant. This is where you add coolant. Now be careful. Never open the radiator cap or the reservoir cap when the car is hot, the cooling system is pressurised and opening it when hot causes hot coolant and steam to escape resulting in serious burns and injury, in fact you should never need to open the radiator cap.

Here is the key question, how can you prevent a cooling system failure. Well cooling system failure is the most common mechanical failure; we at Total Care Auto can perform a periodical inspection of the components for leeks, loose connection and weakened hoses.

Your manufacturer also has specified cooling System Service intervals. During that, the old coolant is replaced with fresh coolant that contains the required additives to prevent corrosion, the additives deplete over time and you need fresh coolant for a full protection. Your radiator cap should also be replaced in this service as well.


Book your car with us now for a cooling system service.