![]() The radiator fan has the important job of drawing air over the coolant as it passes through the radiator, reducing its temperature. Tell-tale signs of a failed water pump include metallic debris in the coolant, a grinding noise from the front of the engine, and leaking coolant from the front of the engine. Without this pump, the flow of coolant to the radiator stops, causing overheating. Over time, the water pump bearings, impeller, and other components can fail, preventing it from pushing the coolant along. You'll also notice the coolant reservoir constantly remains at the "Full Cold" mark and never reaches the "Full Hot" line. Tell-tale signs of a bad thermostat are bloated radiator and heater hoses. ![]() In either case, this leaves the coolant stuck in the engine, resulting in the engine overheating relatively quickly. In some cases, the thermostat fails mechanically and simply won't open. Over time and from not changing the coolant regularly, gunk buildup, corrosion, and other debris from the coolant system can cover the thermostat, preventing it from properly sensing the coolant temperature. This temperature is typically anywhere from 82 to 93 degrees Celsius. The engine's thermostat should open at a specific temperature to allow the coolant to flow into the radiator for cooling. Let's explore the most common causes of this frustrating mechanical failure. There are many reasons for an engine overheating, ranging from low coolant to a failed water pump. If one component in the cooling system fails, it can cause a vehicle to overheat. In this case, the fan clutch engages and disengages with the under-hood ambient temperature, which regulates the intensity that air is drawn across the radiator passages. The only exception is if your car has a clutched fan. The coolant then flows back into the engine to absorb more heat, then through the thermostat and upper radiator hose to return to the radiator for cooling again.ĭuring all this, the radiator fan is alternating off and on to regulate the coolant temperature based on readings from the temperature sensor. This heated coolant then flows through the heater hoses and back to the heater core to warm up the cabin (if needed). Once the coolant reaches the lower radiator hose, it flows back into the engine to absorb more heat and maintain the engine's temperature. ![]() In the radiator, the coolant flows through small passages or veins and is cooled by the air the radiator fan draws over the passages. ![]() The thermostat opens as the engine reaches its defined operating temperature, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator and heater hoses and into the radiator via the upper radiator hose. Once you start the engine, the internal combustion process creates heat that warms up the engine. When an engine is sitting cold, there is coolant - a mixture of water and antifreeze - in the radiator, coolant reservoir, and engine. The cooling system comprises a range of components, including: It also provides the heat the heating system needs to warm up the interior on cold days. What Is a Vehicle Cooling SystemĪ vehicle cooling system regulates the temperature of the engine by using a liquid to keep the engine temperature in a safe operating range and keeps it from overheating under high stress. ![]() What a Cooling System is and How it Worksīefore getting into common causes of a car overheating, it's best to start with a general understanding of the cooling system and how it works. ![]()
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