Your vehicle’s engine generates a tremendous amount of heat in normal
operations. The combustion process can generate as much as 4,500
degrees of heat. These high temperatures can quickly destroy your
engine, leaving you stranded on the side of the road with an engine
that’s destroyed and beyond repair.
The coolant system helps to
protect the engine from overheating and the damage that can cause. Our
shop offers coolant services to help you keep your engine running at
optimal levels.
What Is the Cooling System?
The cooling system is made up of several components that help keep the vehicle's engine cool. These include:
Water pump
– The water pump pushes the coolant through the hoses to various parts
of your engine to help cool it off. Without this, the engine’s pistons
will get so hot they would actually melt inside the cylinders, causing
catastrophic engine failure.
Belt – A belt runs the water pump. From time to time it will need replacing.
Freeze plugs
– Freeze plugs protect the engine block if the coolant freezes. They’re
designed to expand or pop if the coolant freezes to prevent it from
reaching the engine block.
Thermostat – The thermostat measures the engine’s temperature and triggers the cooling system when things get too hot.
Radiator – The radiator is a tank that holds the coolant, which is typically a mixture of antifreeze and water.
Cooling Fans – These fans blow fresh air over the radiator to keep the coolant cool.
Heater Core –
The heater core has a small fan that blows air into the cabin when the
heater is turned on. This helps move some of the engine’s heat into your
car to keep you comfortable.
Pressure Cap – This cap
covers the radiator to maintain pressure within the cooling system. It
should never be removed except by a skilled, knowledgeable mechanic.
Overflow Tank – When coolant gets hot, it will expand. The overflow tank holds the coolant when this happens.
Hoses – The hoses move the coolant through the system to keep things cool.
The
coolant system has many moving parts. If any one of these is not
working properly, it can let the engine overheat. Keeping all of these
components working properly requires the help of a skilled mechanic.
What Is Included with Cooling System Services?
When you bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop for coolant system services, we will:
- Check the volume of the coolant
- Check the pressure conditions of the coolant systems
- Inspect the radiator hoses and check for signs of wear
- Check the engine belts
If
we find any problems with these, we will address them to ensure your
engine continues to run cool and is protected from the damage that
occurs with overheating.
Does My Car Need a Coolant Flush?
As
with most fluids in your vehicle, your coolant can pick up grit and
grime as it does its job. A coolant flush involves draining the coolant,
cleaning the coolant system, and replacing the coolant with new, clean
fluids.
During a coolant system flush, our technicians will drain
the coolant and then add a cleaner to the cooling system. This removes
sediment and rust from the inside of the system, which helps protect it
from damage. After the cleaner has done its job, it will be flushed
thoroughly. Then we will add new antifreeze, water, and conditioner that
protects against corrosion.
Coolant flushes should be performed
about every 30,000 miles or every three years, whichever comes first.
This service increases the lifespan of the coolant system and helps you
avoid serious costly repairs.
Trust Our Team for Coolant System Services
Don’t
wait until your vehicle is starting to get too hot, have the coolant
system maintained to avoid a problem. We serve the entire local area
with coolant services that will keep things running properly. Bring your
vehicle today, and drive away with confidence that your coolant system
is ready to do its job well.