Len’s Automotive provides top auto repair services in Bellevue, WA 98005. Cooling system maintenance should be performed at least once every two years. A visual inspection of all cooling systems is recommended, or else the engine would be destroyed by heat within 3 to 30 minutes. The main function of the cooling system is to carry heat away from the engine and maintain the desired operating temperature. The cooling system carries heat away from the engine and maintains the operating temperature by circulating anti-freeze/coolant through the engine, and carrying it to the radiator for cooling.
Radiator: The radiator is the most prominent part of the system. Coolant that has traveled through the engine is pumped through the tubes of the radiator and is cooled off for another round.
Hoses: Your cooling system has a number of rubber hoses that move the fluid from one place to the other. These need to be replaced before they become brittle and cracked.
Water pump: The water pump does what you think it does – pumps the coolant through the system. The pump is belt driven, except in the case of some race cars that use an electric water pump.
Thermostat: Your engine isn’t always the same temperature. When you start it on a cold morning, you want it to get warm quickly. If you stop in traffic, you want it to cool it off. The thermostat controls the flow of coolant. It rests in housing just after the radiator bottom hose.
Electric Cooling Fan: Cars these days have an electric fan for either primary or added cooling. The fan draws air through the radiator when you aren’t moving fast enough to get things cooled down.
Thermo Time Switch: Also known as, the fan switch. This is the temperature sensor that tells the electric fan when to blow.
Our skilled technicians know how important a properly working cooling system is to your vehicle. Come by today for a thorough inspection!
The last thing you want is for your cooling system to fail and cause your engine to breakdown.
We’re often asked questions about the cooling system – the system that cools your engine and keeps it at the proper operating temperature. Let’s examine the topic in two areas: first the coolant itself and, second, the parts that make up the cooling system.
The coolant in your vehicle is the mix of water and antifreeze that circulates through the engine to draw off heat. First, you need to have the proper amount. If you don’t have enough coolant it can’t keep you engine cool. You also need the right kind of coolant. Different makes of vehicles require different coolant formulation to protect against corrosion.
Finally, your coolant needs to be fresh. Over time the miles, the anti-corrosion additives in the coolant are depleted and the coolant can actually start to eat away at the cooling system parts. Your owner’s manual and your Len’s Automotive Service Center can help you with the recommended coolant replacement schedule and make sure you’re getting the right type of coolant.
Now let’s talk about the cooling system components. These will all eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Starting with the radiator; we see them coming into the shop with leaks or clogged with deposits. Depending on the damage, we will clean, repair or replace. We also see radiator pressure caps that can no longer hold the proper pressure. We recommend replacing pressure caps when you change your coolant to avoid this problem.
