Not many people are aware of the importance of a car’s cooling system, and hence pay no attention to it. Vehicles with low mileage often raise little concern; however, as the Kilometers pile on, things may start to happen – strange and often costly things.
Coolant system functions
With regards to automobiles, cooling systems have one primary job: remove the excess heat generated by an engine during the combustion cycle. Combustion can cause an engine to heat up to well over 200 degrees, and all that energy has to go somewhere.
It absorbs the heat generated by the engine and transfers it outside via the car’s radiator. Furthermore,it removes dirt or sediment that has accumulated over the years. A thermostat regulates the coolant temperature, keeping it consistent to ensure efficient engine operation.
All car owners should know that a major factor affecting the reliability a cooling system is how often and how well it is maintained. In addition to consulting your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on how often to flush the coolant system and change the coolant, you should also know how to check the coolant level.
Knowing it
Inspect its level regularly at the reservoir, using the indicator lines to determine what level it should be at. Those unfamiliar with what your car’s coolant reservoir looks like, and how indicator level lines work, consult your owner’s manual. Just know that if the coolant is low in the reservoir, a 50/50 mix of water should be added.
While checking the coolant level, also do a visual inspection of hoses and belts. This will enable you to identify age-related cracks, as well as the radiator for any coolant leaks. It’s crucial to be aware of signs of cooling system problems particularly with older cars.
The vehicle temperature gauge on the dash rising near the danger zone is usually an indication of a problem. Smelling something “sweet” when the engine is running is also another, more ominous sign of trouble.
Ethylene Glycol which is the main ingredient of automotive antifreeze. It is sweet smelling but poisonous liquid and it’s usually dyed green for identification. If you see any part on your car leaking a fluid that matches this description, you likely have a coolant leak and should consult a mechanic.
No one wants to be burdened with an engine prone to overheating; fortunately, today’s cooling systems are so reliable that they only need periodic maintenance. If you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and perform an inspection periodically, your car’s cooling system should last for many years without causing you a random headache.
