Most vehicles have a fluid-based cooling system. It consists of:
- A radiator, in which the fluid (sometimes called antifreeze because it is formulated to not freeze in winter temperatures) is located in the front of the car and contains a number of small tubes and fins designed to radiate heat.
- A radiator fan draws air into the radiator to cool the heated fluid inside it.
- A water pump that transfers the cool fluid into channels inside the engine block and transfers the heated fluid back to the radiator to be cooled.
- A thermostat regulates the amount of fluid that passes through the radiator. It keeps the engine running at a constant, optimal temperature.
Without the constant circulation of fluid that chills the engine and transfers heat from it, the engine will overheat and quickly become damaged, with pistons welding themselves to the cylinders. The engine block can crack, and/or the head gasket can be damaged. Usually, such an event would require total replacement of the engine.
How do Cooling Systems Malfunction?
Since an automobile cooling system has many parts, it can fail in numerous ways.
- Leaks anywhere in the coolant system, including the radiator, hoses, water pump, and engine block, can drain the system of coolant fluid.
- The water pump can malfunction from a loose or broken belt or something inherent to the pump.
- The thermostat can fail,
- The fan can fail.
- The pressure cap on the top of the radiator may have become loose.
How Can You Tell If the Coolant System Has Malfunctioned?
A pool of coolant on the pavement underneath the vehicle is certainly a clue that a leak has occurred, and the vehicle is unsafe to drive. If the vehicle is being operated on the road and the temperature gauge spikes and/or the check engine light flashes on, one of the prime reasons would be a coolant system malfunction. The driver should immediately pull over to the side of the road and call for a tow to the nearest repair shop.
Following proper scheduled maintenance will help to prevent coolant system failures. A trained auto technician should be able to spot small problems in the system before they become big problems and suggest repairs. Also, the coolant system needs to be flushed periodically and the fluid replaced.