With the wide ranging environment Australian motorists are subjecting their cars to every year, it is little surprise we rely so heavily on our cars cooling system. It is vital to the efficiency and reliability of your car that you keep your cooling system well serviced and maintained so that you don’t find yourself stranded. Engine’s get hot when running, in order to keep this temperature under control car manufacturers fit them with a cooling system. This system keeps engine temperatures in check however has a number of components that require constant monitoring.
How Does it Work?
Engines create a substantial amount of heat, to keep this heat under control car manufacturers build motors with a maze of water jackets (or tunnels) through the motor which channel liquid coolant through. The coolant absorbs the heat and is then pumped out of the motor to the radiator which dissipates the heat into the air via the surface area of the radiator core. More often than not the radiator is positioned where it is likely to receive a good stream of cool air however for when the car is sitting still or in traffic a fan will pull (or blow) fresh air over the radiator for the same effect.
What Does it Include?
Cooling Systems of modern cars are becoming more and more complex, newer cars are expected to make more power more efficiently and again with power, come more heat. The challenge to get rid of this heat in an equally efficient manner becomes harder and the cycle continues.
Radiator
• Radiator Hoses and pipes
• Water Pump (Mechanical – Pumps coolant throughout the system)
• Thermostat – (Prevents the flow of coolant when the coolant is cold to help warm your engine up)
• Electronic Pump (Often used instead of or as support to a mechanical pump)
• Fans – (Mechanical or Electric)
Coolant
• Your Entire Engine
Which Parts are Consumable?
As your entire cooling system is constantly subjected to the heat cycles of your engine, we recommend you have everything inspected regularly. Some components however require a little more attention
Coolant – This should be replaced regularly. Coolant is both an anti freeze (prevents freezing in cold climates) as well as an inhibitor of corrosion. Being a wet application, coolant that is not up to scratch could allow damage and corrosion to parts of the engine you can’t see until it’s too late. Have your coolant tested regularly for important content and not just water which will quickly cause many problems.
Thermostat – This part is always on the go and usually operates on a very basic theory. It can easily jam close however and cause overheating very quickly if not checked and maintained.
Water Pumps – Like the rest of the system constantly on the go and constantly in the direct line of corrosion. Have this and your seals checked regularly to avoid costly overheating.
Radiators and Hoses – These can get brittle, crack and fail with age. Regular inspection and replacement as required can prevent costly repair bills including overheating of the engine itself.
What Should I look out for?
Some of the more obvious signs you have a problem with your cooling system are:
• Your Temperature Gauges show overheating
• Your Temperature Gauge moves erratically or won’t warm up
• You have seen a puddle under your car, usually green or red
• There is hissing when parking your car or you notice a sweet smell
What Should I do?
Call Tunehouse. If you car needs your cooling system checked or your due for a service and want complete peace of mind, call Tunehouse on (02) 9557 4000 or email us at info@tunehouse.com.au to find the next available appointment. At Tunehouse we have the expertise and the equipment to diagnose and service Cooling System.
