How Does A Vehicle Cooling System Work?

Whilst there has been a significant improvement in the overall efficiency of petrol engines over the last few years, it’s undoubtedly true that they still remain relatively inefficient in transforming chemical energy into mechanical power. This is due to the majority of energy being converted into heat instead, which can cause problems with your vehicle. This is where your vehicle cooling system comes in.

Designed to absorb the excess heat generated by your engine, a vehicle cooling system prevents overheating by transferring heat away from the engine and into the air. Not only this, but when the engine is too cold, thereby running the risk of damaging your components and reducing your efficiency, your vehicle cooling system will allow your engine to heat up as quickly as possible.

No matter your industry, here at Applied Radiators, we can assist in all of your heat transfer and vehicle cooling system requirements, offering a range of radiator maintenance and replacement services. In this helpful guide, we provide a complete insight into vehicle cooling systems and the importance of effective heat transfer solutions, highlighting key components and applications.

Vehicle Cooling Systems | What Are They?

As fuel burns, your vehicle’s engine will quickly heat up, and whilst most of the heat from this combustion is released through your exhaust system, it’s natural for some excess heat to soak into your engine, warming it up. A vehicle cooling system is in place to ensure the engine operates efficiently and at its best, ensuring your engine remains at around 93 degrees Celsius.

This is important, as maintaining your engine temperature at this level will assist in the following:

●     Ensuring the combustion chamber is hot enough to sufficiently vaporise your fuel, to improve your vehicle’s combustion and lower your emissions.

●     Ensuring the oil used to lubricate the engine is thinner so your engine parts move freely. This will also waste less energy.

●     Reducing the risk of worn-out metal parts.

Generally speaking, there are two main types of vehicle cooling systems found in cars; liquid-cooled and air-cooled. Below, we provide a detailed look at the different types of vehicle cooling systems.

Liquid Cooling

The vast majority of modern vehicles are fitted with a liquid cooling system, helping to circulate cooling fluid through pipes and passageways in the engine. This liquid will pass through the engine, absorb excess heat and cool your engine down. Once the cooling fluid leaves your engine, it will then pass through either a heat exchanger or radiator, thereby transferring the heat from the fluid to the air passing through the exchanger.

Air Cooling

Most vintage cars, (as well as some modern vehicles), are fitted with air cooling systems. Instead of circulating your cooling fluid through the engine, the engine block itself is covered in aluminium fins that intelligently conduct heat away from your vehicle’s cylinder. At this stage, a highly powerful fan forces air over the fins, cooling the engine by transferring the heat to the air.

Vehicle Cooling Systems | How Do They Work?

Temperature regulation is crucial for your vehicle, preventing your engine from both overheating and/or becoming too cold. Your vehicle’s engine will perform best at a higher temperature, so it’s important for your vehicle cooling system to allow for the engine to warm up as quickly as possible, to reduce the risk of cold components wearing out, emitting more pollutants and losing efficiency. In short; the primary function of an engine cooling system is to assist in the temperature regulation of your engine, preventing it from overheating and causing serious issues.

Overheating is a serious cause for concern when it comes to vehicle operation, potentially causing damage to your cylinder head gaskets and engine blocks, making your vehicle cooling system a vital component for your vehicle to function properly.

Vehicle Cooling Systems | Key Components

A vehicle cooling system requires several key components in order to function correctly and help prevent your engine from overheating. Responsible for heating the engine as quickly as possible and ensuring it remains at a constant temperature, your vehicle cooling system is tasked with a series of important jobs. Below, we outline the key components found in a vehicle cooling system, highlighting their main applications and benefits.

Radiator

Acting as a heat exchanger for your engine, your engine radiator is a crucial component. Typically constructed from aluminium and fitted with a number of small diameter pipes with delicate fins attached to them, your vehicle’s radiator is vital in regulating the temperature in your vehicle’s cooling system.

Responsible for the exchange of the heat of hot water derived from the engine, alongside ambient air, an engine radiator will also have a drainage plug, an inlet port, a sealed cover and an outlet port.

Water Pump

When your engine coolant decreases in temperature after being in the radiator, your vehicle’s water pump will now transport the fluid back to the cylinder block, heater core and cylinder head. In time, the liquid will re-enter the radiator, where it will cool down once more and the process can begin again.

Thermostat

Acting as a valve for your engine coolant to pass through the radiator once a specific temperature has been achieved or exceeded, your engine’s thermostat is a crucial component of your engine cooling system. Containing paraffin wax, due to its ability to expand and open at a certain temperature, your thermostat is used to regulate the operating temperature of the vehicle’s internal combustion engine. Once your vehicle’s engine has reached the standard operating temperature required, your thermostat is activated and the engine coolant can enter your vehicle’s radiator.

Freeze Plug

A steel plug specifically designed to seal openings in the cylinder block, a freeze plug helps protect both cylinder heads and blocks throughout the casting process. Freeze plugs are crucial in cold conditions, preventing them from popping out in frosty weather.

Time Head/Cover Gasket

Responsible for sealing major engine parts, your time head and cover gasket are crucial in preventing the mixing of oil, antifreeze and cylinder pressure.

Radiated Overflow Tank

A plastic tank typically installed alongside your vehicle’s radiator, your radiator overflow tank is fitted with an inlet connected to the radiator and an overflow hole. This is the same tank that you would ordinarily pour water into before setting off on a long journey.

Hoses

Connecting the radiator to your vehicle’s engine, your vehicle will be fitted with a series of rubber hoses through which the coolant will flow.

Applied Radiators | Radiator Maintenance Services

At Applied Radiators, we’re proud to provide you with an extensive range of vital radiator repairs and replacement services across a range of industries. Below, we outline some of the key radiator maintenance services we currently provide:

●     Radiators, Intercoolers & Oil Coolers

●     Vintage & Classic Car Radiator Servicing

●     Air Conditioning Components

●     Re-coring, Repairs & Restoration

●     Heat Exchangers

●     Viscous Fans

●     EGR Valves & Coolers

●     Diesel & Hydraulic Tank Cleaning & Repair

●     Turbochargers

●     Propshaft Repairs

●     Road Springs

●     Hydraulic Ram Repairs

Applied Radiators | Experienced Radiator Repairs & Servicing

Are you looking for vehicle engine repair or air conditioning replacement? At Applied Radiators, we’re well-equipped to help you find the best cooling or heating solution for your industry and application. Based in North Staffordshire, we are ideally located to provide cooling and heat transfer services across the Midlands and beyond.

We’re proud to provide an expert collection and delivery service for our trade customers, striving to complete our vehicle radiator maintenance services within 24-48 hours. Should a repair not be possible, we can arrange a radiator replacement service to suit your requirements.

With over 25 years of experience behind us and a wide range of knowledge about radiator repairs and replacement. Get in touch today.