Your car engine is most efficient at high temperatures. However, when the engine is cold, it can deteriorate more quickly, release increased pollutants, and perform sub-optimally. This is why the engine cooling system is so important. It allows the engine to warm rapidly and stabilize to the set temperature. If the cooling system does not work, most car engines may overheat and cause much damage. In this blog, you will learn more about how the car engine cooling system functions, its parts, and the importance of the system in
What is the Engine Cooling System?
The cooling system is a vital car system that helps keep the engine at an ideal operating temperature. While in operation, the engine produces a lot of heat, which needs to be controlled to avoid damaging the engine. Engine cooling system problems may result in the engine’s overheating; issues such as blown head gaskets or a cracked engine block can happen. These potential risks underscore the importance of understanding the functioning of the cooling system and its care.
Components of the Engine Cooling System
Radiator:- The radiator uses aluminium, which is the heat exchanger. It takes heat from the hot coolant and expels air from outside, reducing the engine’s temperature.
Water Pump:– The water pump moves the coolant around the engine. It pumps the cooled liquid from the radiator back to the engine to maintain the cooling process’s flow.
Thermostat:- The thermostat regulates the circulation of the coolant. It permits coolant to flow through the radiators only when the engine attains a particular temperature, thereby maintaining engine performance.
Freeze Plugs:– Steel freeze plugs close any holes present on the cylinder block and heads. They protect the engine by popping out in the cold and in cold climates where frost protection is not considered.
Timing Head/Cover Gasket:– This gasket seals several essential parts in the engine to prevent oil, antifreeze or cylinder pressure leakage, which requires a considerable engine performance.
Radiator Overflow Tank:– This is a type of plastic tank that stores extra coolant in order to ensure that the radiator has the right amount of coolant at all times.
Hoses:- They are rubber hoses that connect the radiator to the engine to allow the coolant to pass through. These hoses, however, may degrade with time and may call for periodic check-ups and sometimes replacement.
How the Car Engine Cooling System Works
Engine cooling is the principal function of the car engine cooling system, and it must ensure that the heat is adequately managed. The engine produces a lot of heat when running, and if it is not appropriately cooled, it will stall within minutes. A modern cooling system will be able to cool the engine in conditions where the external temperatures are at 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coolant Circulation
The cooling system operates on the principle of there being a coolant, which is a compound of water and antifreeze that circulates in the engine’s coolant channels. These passages are in the engine block and cylinder head. When the coolant circulates through these channels, it cools off the engine by absorbing heat from it. The heated coolant then flows out of the engine and into the radiator, which is cooled by air passing through the car grille. Subsequently, it becomes an under-coolant before it recirculates back to the engine for another cycle.
Water-Cooled Engine
In a water-cooled four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine, the engine block and the cylinder head have connected channels, as shown below. These channels radiate from the centre of the cylinder head and end at the point where the hot coolant is released from the engine. An impeller placed on the crankshaft by means of a pulley and a belt forces the coolant to circulate to the radiator. The radiator, which is a heat exchanger, sheds unwanted heat from the coolant into the surrounding air. The liquid then cools down and returns to the engine, where the exercise is repeated.
The radiator is linked to the engine with rubber hoses and consists of two tanks connected at the centre by a series of thin tubes. The tubes pierce a stack of thin sheet-metal fins, which gives the core a large cooling area where it can dissipate heat easily.
Pressure Regulation
The coolant is slightly lower than the boiling point of an engine while it is performing its normal function. Thus, the cooling system is under pressure to avoid any boiling. This pressure can lower the chances of the coolant boiling, therefore preventing overheating. The radiator cap also has a pressure valve that relieves pressure when pressure builds up in the system and causes the coolant to expand; this pressure overheats the coolant and redirects it to the overflow tank. Once the coolant gets cool, it circulates through the engine again, and the process repeats itself.
Fan Assistance
The radiator must have a steady supply of air to ensure that the engine is effectively cooled. When the car is in motion, a natural convection current passes through the radiator system. However, when the vehicle is not on the move, a fan assists in creating an airflow mode or system. While the engine may power the fan, it is not always needed when driving, so some cars have a temperature-sensitive valve to open the fan only when needed.
Thermostat Regulation
The thermostat ensures that the engine warms up quickly by closing the opening through which coolants pass when the engine is cold. When the engine gets to its running temperature, the thermostat opens and allows water to circulate in the radiator. This helps to keep the engine at the right operating temperature all the time.
Air-Cooled Engines
Not all engines are water-cooled, but some are air-cooled. The block and cylinder head of an air-cooled engine bear vertical ridges on the external part of their structure. There is an oval duct around these fins, and an engine blower blows air through it to remove heat effectively. A temperature-sensitive valve regulates the amount of air to maintain the temperature of the engine.
The Importance of Cooling the Oil
The engine oil also has the responsibility of lubricating the engine and also acts as a coolant. As it swirls around, it cools a portion of the heat produced by the engine and is turned into vapour. This assists in keeping the engine at the right temperature and avoiding such conditions as engine overheating. The oil also lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and further contributing to the engine’s efficient operation.
Conclusion
As a car owner, you play a crucial role in ensuring your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. With proper care and regular maintenance of your car’s engine cooling system, you can keep your engine at the right temperature, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. This sense of responsibility and proactivity is key to the health of your car’s engine.