Cooling System

Did you know?

Your radiator protects your engine and air conditioning condenser from overheating? It also plays an important role with the computer controlled system. An engine temperature sensor actually tells the computer what the engine temperature is so the computer can adjust the air and fuel mixture and engine timing. The efficiency of the radiator directly affects the efficiency of your engine.

Coolant can become corrosive over time and damage the radiator, head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, heater core, metal cooling pipes, expansion tanks etc.

That’s why we recommend changing the coolant on schedule and flushing the cooling system and pH balancing the coolant at least once every two years.

Our coolant system power flush continuously forces fluid under pressure through the engine, radiator and heater core in both directions at different times to remove contaminates. We pressure test the cooling system for leaks, clean the recovery bottle and pressure test the radiator cap. The system is then refilled with the proper mix of coolant and water to optimise winter protection.

Let our certified technicians in Notting Hill perform this important service today.

The Cooling System

We’re often asked about the cooling system – the system that cools your engine and keeps it at the proper operating temperature. The system consists of two components: first the coolant itself and, second, the parts that make up the cooling system.

The coolant in your car or truck 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 your 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 and kilometers, 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 Waverley Exhaust and Brake Centre technicians will 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, many vehicles have radiator leaks or are 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.

When a radiator hose is nearing the end of its life, it’s better to have it replaced now before it splits and causes the engine to overheat. And as cooling hoses age, the hose can become soft and swollen and is more likely to split. At other times the rubber can become hard, crack and leak.

If a hose needs to be replaced or has recently been replaced, consideration should be given to replacing the rest of the cooling system hoses. The remaining hoses probably have been subjected to the same wear and tear as the failed hose.

It’s generally more economical to change all the hoses at the same time rather than one by one. This allows the cooling system to be thoroughly flushed with new coolant. And it can also save the inconvenience of another hose failing soon after the first one have been replaced.

Leaky water pumps may need to be replaced too. There’s a part called the thermostat that opens and closes to regulate the flow of coolant. Sometimes they stick open or closed causing the cooling system not to work properly.

Radiator caps, thermostats, thermo switches, air conditioning and drive belts are all vital components in your cars cooling system and should be tested, replaced and serviced where necessary.

Engine damage from overheating can be very expensive to fix so it’s important to maintain your cooling system properly with scheduled coolant replacement and periodic inspections of the cooling system. Certainly come in if you suspect a leak and have us take a look.