Cooling system keeps temps down
Your automobile's cooling system is a type of heat exchanger that transfers heat from the warm coolant that streams through it to the air blown by the fan. The cooling system maintains the engine temperature for peak performance, preventing overheating and even heating the vehicle cabin. If your cooling system stops working or wears out, it can make for an uncomfortable driving experience. If you feel that your car or truck is overheating, you can come to Tune Tech in Boise for a cooling system service today.
Thermostats maintain optimal temperatures
The thermostat is part of your cooling system. Vehicle thermostats perform a similar function to the thermostats in their homes. At home, you set your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature range. When your home gets too hot, the air conditioning kicks on and when it gets too cool, the heater turns on.
Your engine also has an optimal temperature range: warm enough to run efficiently and not so hot as to cause engine damage. Your vehicle's thermostat is a valve between the engine and the radiator. When Boise residents first start a cold engine, the valve (thermostat) is closed, allowing the coolant surrounding the engine to warm up to the proper operating temperature. As the coolant gets hotter, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow through to the radiator to be cooled. The thermostat opens and closes to keep the engine within a certain temperature range.
Thermostats are subject to normal wear. Proper operation depends on a special wax that expands as it heats up to open a spring-loaded valve. A worn thermostat could stick in the open position causing the engine to run too cool. This is inefficient and could affect performance and fuel economy. If a thermostat sticks in the closed position, the engine can be subject to the results of overheating.
If your temperature warning light comes on, have an inspection of your cooling system right away. This could be a thermostat .
Water Pump is the heart of the system
The cooling system in an engine has five components: the radiator, the radiator cap, the hoses, the thermostat and the water pump. The water pump is literally the heart of the system. Just as your own heart keeps your blood circulating through your body, the water pump keeps coolant circulating through your engine.
The water pump is driven by a belt, chain or gear and only operates while the engine is running. It has a limited life span and sooner or later will have to be replaced. You can check your owner's manual to find out how long your water pump should last. Some can fail at only 40,000 miles but almost all of them fail by 100,000 miles.
Water pumps don't gradually wear out; they fail. In other words, they're either working or they're not. A failed water pump has to be replaced.
Water pumps can fail in two ways; they can spring a leak or their bearings fail. Leaks can come from a cracked pump but usually develop at the gasket where the pump attaches to the engine.
If you hear a low-pitched grinding sound coming from the water pump, it's time for a new one. If you see coolant leaking in the area near the pump, it needs to be replaced. Also, coolant on the driveway could indicate water pump failure. Many water pumps aren't visible because they're under a plastic cover, so you may want to bring your vehicle in to us at Tune Tech Fairview to know if the water pump has failed.
What does coolant do for my engine?
Your cooling system’s job is to keep your engine cool. Coolant (also called antifreeze) mixed with water flows through your engine and absorbs heat. The mixture then flows out to the radiator where it’s cooled by air flowing over the radiator. From there the cooled mix circulates back through the engine to absorb more heat.
Coolant, or antifreeze, is specially formulated to keep your engine safe in a wide range of environmental and operating temperatures.
Therefore, check coolant levels frequently and have your cooling system inspected for leaks. Also, your manufacturer has a maintenance requirement for draining and replacing your coolant.