What does a car Cooling System do?

Posted July 20, 2016

A typical combustion engine operates by controlled explosions. The gasoline inside the engine is ignited to produce the power needed to run your vehicle and drive down the roads in Holland, Michigan. This process produces a lot of heat – heat that could quickly destroy your engine if not properly managed.

Which is why your vehicle also has a cooling system. The primary job of a vehicle’s cooling system is to manage the heat produced in the engine to prevent your car from overheating.

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, flows through the cooling system to be circulated through the engine and collects the heat from the engine. The cooling fluid then flows to and through the radiator to be cooled before returning to start the cycle over again.

This simplified explanation hints at how critical the coolant fluid is. As the fluid flows through the system, its job is to prevent the car from running too hot. The name also shows its dual task – to keep the car cool in the heat (coolant) and prevent the fluid from getting too cold during the winter (anti-freeze).

The conditions in your vehicle are hard on the fluid, with continual heating and cooling. Over time the fluid can become thick or contaminated with debris. If this damaged fluid continues to flow in the system, it can cause more problems as the fluid becomes corrosive and viscous. The coolant can no longer perform its job as efficiently, and your vehicle is at a greater risk for overheating.

During summer months when the temperatures in Holland are on the rise, your car has an added challenge – to keep the outside temperature from overheating the engine. Which is why the start of the summer is a good time to have your cooling system inspected.

When was the last time you had your cooling system inspected or your coolant flushed? Our technicians keep track of the vital maintenance for your vehicle so you don’t have to. Call us at 616.796.9929 to find out if your vehicle is due for a cooling system flush or to schedule your inspection.

Categories: Car Repair

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