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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
If you see this warning light, it means the engine is overheating. Stopping the engine immediately can save you thousands of dollars. What may be a simple hose replacement can turn into a complete engine replacement if this warning light is ignored. Don't pull over and try to add coolant. The system will be hot and under pressure and if opened, will blow scalding hot coolant everywhere resulting in injury. If this light comes on, it's best to call a tow truck. Once again, most cooling system failures can be detected before they become major problems that leave you on the side of the road with proper maintenance and inspection.
THE COOLING SYSTEM
Like most other systems on the vehicle, the cooling system is made up of many parts and sensors that work together to keep your engine running at optimum temperature. These components include the serpentine or V belts, the water pump, the electric or mechanical radiator fan, various hoses and pipes, the heater core for in vehicle heat, the radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, and various coolant temperature sensors.
The belts drive the water pump which is responsible for moving coolant through the engine, radiator, and heater core. Obviously drive belt condition is very critical to a cooling system. The coolant passes through the engine, picking up heat and travels through the thermostat to the radiator where the heat is given off to the air.
The Thermostat deserves special attention. Contrary to popular belief, a cold engine is not always better. The engine's computer control system is designed to operate the engine at its designated "operating temperature" which is usually about 190 degrees F up to about 230 degrees F, and of course this will vary from vehicle to vehicle. If the engine is not running at its intended temperature, it's not working as efficiently as it should be, resulting in lowered fuel mileage, and various other drivability concerns. It is very important to have a properly functioning thermostat to make sure your engine runs efficiently.
It is very important to keep the coolant in the vehicle in good shape. Regular coolant flushes can help your coolant keep its ability to keep your engine cool, but also keeps its ability to prevent coolant freezing which can result in catastrophic engine damage. The proper mixture and type of coolant is also critical as certain different types of coolant should not be mixed together and an improper coolant dillution can lower its ability to transfer heat or protect against freezing.
As the coolant warms up, it will expand and create pressure in the cooling system. As the pressure increases, the coolant's boiling point also increases. This is good because if the coolant boils in the system, it will turn to steam. The radiator cap is a precision part that will vent at a set amount of pressure. If the cap fails and will not vent at a set pressure or will not hold pressure at all, the cooling system cannot function as designed and overheating will result.
The fan, be it electric or mechanical is also very important. While at idle and slow speeds, there is not sufficient air moving over the radiator to carry away the heat in the coolant. The fan must move enough air through the radiator to keep the engine cool.
THE COOLING SYSTEM
Like most other systems on the vehicle, the cooling system is made up of many parts and sensors that work together to keep your engine running at optimum temperature. These components include the serpentine or V belts, the water pump, the electric or mechanical radiator fan, various hoses and pipes, the heater core for in vehicle heat, the radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, and various coolant temperature sensors.
The belts drive the water pump which is responsible for moving coolant through the engine, radiator, and heater core. Obviously drive belt condition is very critical to a cooling system. The coolant passes through the engine, picking up heat and travels through the thermostat to the radiator where the heat is given off to the air.
The Thermostat deserves special attention. Contrary to popular belief, a cold engine is not always better. The engine's computer control system is designed to operate the engine at its designated "operating temperature" which is usually about 190 degrees F up to about 230 degrees F, and of course this will vary from vehicle to vehicle. If the engine is not running at its intended temperature, it's not working as efficiently as it should be, resulting in lowered fuel mileage, and various other drivability concerns. It is very important to have a properly functioning thermostat to make sure your engine runs efficiently.
It is very important to keep the coolant in the vehicle in good shape. Regular coolant flushes can help your coolant keep its ability to keep your engine cool, but also keeps its ability to prevent coolant freezing which can result in catastrophic engine damage. The proper mixture and type of coolant is also critical as certain different types of coolant should not be mixed together and an improper coolant dillution can lower its ability to transfer heat or protect against freezing.
As the coolant warms up, it will expand and create pressure in the cooling system. As the pressure increases, the coolant's boiling point also increases. This is good because if the coolant boils in the system, it will turn to steam. The radiator cap is a precision part that will vent at a set amount of pressure. If the cap fails and will not vent at a set pressure or will not hold pressure at all, the cooling system cannot function as designed and overheating will result.
The fan, be it electric or mechanical is also very important. While at idle and slow speeds, there is not sufficient air moving over the radiator to carry away the heat in the coolant. The fan must move enough air through the radiator to keep the engine cool.