Engines take on a huge workload. Understandably, this causes your engine to get extremely hot. The radiator works to regulate the engine’s temperature to prevent it from overheating. The radiator can’t do it’s job without coolant because it stops the liquid in the radiator from freezing once the temperature gets down to a freezing point. Vital fluids such as coolant and refrigerant can affect the performance of your vehicle. Not being aware of the status of these systems can lead to inefficiencies, unnecessary strain, and eventual mechanical breakdown.
What Is A Cooling System?
Although gasoline engines have improved a lot, they are still not very efficient at turning chemical energy into mechanical power. Most of the energy in the gasoline (perhaps 70%) is converted into heat, and it is the job of the cooling system to take care of that heat. In fact, the cooling system on a car driving down the freeway dissipates enough heat to heat two average-sized houses! The primary job of the cooling system is to keep the engine from overheating by transferring this heat to the air, but the cooling system also has several other important jobs.
Checking Your Coolant System
If your coolant levels are low enough, you can bet that your engine will overheat in a matter of minutes. Prevent this from happening by following these steps:
- Pinpoint the coolant reservoir underneath the hood of your vehicle.
- It should be a small reservoir tank with minimum & maximum line shown.
- Simply, if the fluid is below the minimum line, you need to add coolant.
If you ignore your low coolant levels, it could cause irreversible and pricey damage in the long run.
Checking for Problems
If the fan system sounds fine and the air flow is normal, check the heat coming out of your vents. There should be enough heat coming out of your vents to warm the interior of your car quickly after it has been running for 15 or more minutes. Be sure to place your hand over the vents near the dashboard, the floor, and the near the windshield to assure the heat flow is uniform.
Routine Maintenance
Be sure to read your owner’s manual to get a good idea of how frequently you should get your coolant flushed and restored. Keep in mind; if you begin to notice that you are filling your coolant more than often, chances are there’s an issue with your vehicle. If you notice a problem of this nature, bring your vehicle into our shop today and one of our certified mechanics will inspect and repair your cooling system!