The Importance of Maintaining your Cooling System

As the summer months wear on here in the Midwest, so does the wear and tear that extreme conditions can have on your car. Keeping your cooling system running efficiently allows your car to run at optimal performance no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

The cooling system does not technically make the engine “cold” but it does keep it at a moderate level that ensures all parts of your car run properly. All the moving parts in your engine can cause a great deal of heat. Without a system to keep them operating at the appropriate temperature, parts can wear out at a rapid rate and your car could lose efficiency. Additionally, if your engine becomes too hot, it could cause irreversible damage to your motor.

The parts of the cooling system are designed to operate independently to ensure that your engine is running at peak performance. Many of the parts are manufactured using lightweight plastic which helps your automobile maintain fuel efficiency; however these parts can wear out quickly if your system is not maintained properly. Here are some parts of the system that should be checked regularly by a trusted auto mechanic.

  • Radiator – The radiator is the one of the primary parts to help regulate your engine’s temperature. Coolant is pumped into the radiator to cool to the appropriate level before it is re-circulated through the engine again.
  • Radiator Hoses – The hoses are the arteries and veins of your car. They move fluid throughout the engine to help maintain the correct temperature. Hoses can become brittle and cracked over time and should be checked and replaced when they become worn.
  • Water Pump – The water pump is the work horse of the cooling system, pumping coolant through the entire engine, much like the human heart pumps blood.
  • Thermostat – Because the temperature of the engine can fluctuate depending upon conditions, the thermostat plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of coolant throughout your engine. This helps control the temperature of the fluid, causing them to cool down more or less depending upon what is necessary.

A properly maintained cooling system is an integral part of keeping your car at peak efficiency. If you have questions about your cooling system, contact the experts at Turk’s Collision Center. We are a state-of-the-art automotive body repair shop serving Peoria and the surrounding Illinois community.