Understanding How the Car Cooling System Works: A Comprehensive Overview

A comfortable ride will improve your performance by saving you time and energy. Prior to embarking on your trip, it is crucial to ensure that the selected vehicle operates optimally. Additionally, it is important to inspect various frequently used car components, such as the car cooling system. Apart from regulating the temperature within the car cabin to prevent excessive heat, the car cooling system serves various other purposes. Are you familiar with these functions and the workings of the car cooling system? Learn more about the functions, components and how car coolers work in our following article.

 

Car Cooling System Functions

The following are some of the functions of the car's cooling system:

 

1. Absorbs heat inside the engine

The primary role of the car's cooling system is to act as a heat absorber within the engine. It converts the heat into kinetic energy, allowing the engine to function properly. Its crucial function is to prevent overheating by absorbing or eliminating excessive heat from the system. This is to prevent damage to the engine components and the car's electrical system.

 

2. Keep the engine at optimal temperature

The optimal working temperature of the machine is within the range of 80 to 90 degrees Celsius. This temperature range ensures optimal engine performance and helps preserve the longevity of engine components. To uphold this temperature, the car relies on its cooling system.

 

3. Speeds up the process of achieving engine operating temperature

The primary role of the car's cooling system is to expedite the attainment of the engine's operating temperature, which is typically above 90 degrees Celsius. By reaching this temperature, the engine's performance improves, leading to enhanced acceleration of the vehicle.

 

Read Also: Tips to Prevent Car Engine from Overheating

 

 

Car Cooling System Components

Car cooling systems have various components that are integrated with each other in order to work optimally. The following components of the car cooling system:

 

1. Car Radiators

The car radiator functions to cool the water used to dissipate heat from the engine. Resembling an iron plate in shape, this component operates by transferring the heat absorbed by the radiator core to the radiator fins. As the heat passes through the radiator fins, it is released into the surrounding air, effectively maintaining the engine's coolness. Additionally, the radiator contains radiator water that helps regulate the engine temperature and ensures its stability.

 

2. Radiator Hose

The primary purpose of the radiator hose is to facilitate the flow of coolant either from the radiator to the engine (bottom hose) or from the engine to the radiator (top hose). Made from flexible rubber, the radiator hose is designed to withstand high temperatures while ensuring a secure seal to effectively contain the water as it is directed towards the radiator.

 

3. Close Radiators

The radiator cap functions to close the upper frame and maintain air pressure in the car's cooling system. Equipped with a spring, the radiator cap is responsible for pushing the valve to ensure complete closure of the radiator channel. As the radiator temperature rises, the increased pressure is released through the spring, causing the valve to open. This allows the built-up air pressure from inside to escape, promoting stability in the radiator's pressure.

 

4. Water Jacket

The water jacket, commonly known as the water jacket, has a function as a place to absorb engine heat so that it spreads evenly. This component is in the form of a water channel inside the cylinder head.

 

5. Water pump 

The water pump regulates the circulation of cooling water so that it can move from place to place. Located within the water jacket, this component operates by circulating water when the thermostat is closed. Conversely, when the thermostat opens, the water pump distributes water from the water jacket to the radiator section, effectively maintaining a cool engine temperature.

 

6. Thermostats

The thermostat functions to accelerate the engine to reach operating temperature and regulates the circulation of cooling water. This component will open channels automatically when it reaches operating temperature to allow liquid to flow into the radiator.

 

7. Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

This component is also known as a water temperature sensor. This component serves to measure the temperature of the cooling water. The data will then be sent to the ECU components letting the ECU regulate the rotation of the radiator fan motor.

 

8. Temperature Gauges

This component functions as a temperature gauge and cooling water temperature. When the car's temperature rises, the temperature gauge will detect it, and the temperature indicator on the cluster meter will display the current temperature conditions.

 

9. Reservoir

This component is in the form of a thick plastic tube that is near the radiator head. The reservoir functions as a reservoir for radiator cooling water.

 

10. Cooling Fan

The cooling fan functions to cool the radiator so it doesn't overheat. The cooling fan will channel air from outside through the radiator fins to cool the radiator. There are two types of cooling fans, namely manual fans that are driven using engine power via a drive belt and electric fans that are driven by electric motors.

 

Read Also: Everything To Know about Why Radiator Needs A Regular Check

 

 

How Car Cooling Systems Work

In principle, the cooling system works based on heat transfer. The cooling system aims to distribute heat from the engine to the outside. The car engine is in a closed hood so the heat cannot escape properly. To keep the temperature of the car engine stable, the car is usually equipped with a car cooling system component, namely the radiator. Here are three stages of how the car cooling system works based on engine temperature:

 

1. The condition of the engine temperature is cold

When the car engine is initially started, the engine temperature remains low as it takes some time to warm up. During this cold engine temperature, the heat generated by the car is not directed towards the radiator. This is due to the closed state of the thermostat. The thermostat will only open once the engine temperature reaches 80 degrees Celsius.

 

2.  The temperature of the engine has reached 80 degrees Celsius

When the engine temperature reaches 80 degrees Celsius, the thermostat will automatically open. Opening the thermostat will allow cooling water to flow into the radiator. At this optimal working temperature, which is 80 degrees Celsius, the cooling fan remains idle and does not operate. However, the cooling fan will start functioning when the engine becomes overheated.

 

3. Engine temperature conditions above 90 degrees Celsius

When the engine temperature exceeds 90 degrees Celsius, the cooling fan will activate automatically. The cooling fan operates at three different speed levels: low, medium, and high. Its rotation speed is dependent on the engine's RPM. A higher RPM will result in a faster rotation of the cooling fan. During this active state, the car's engine cooling system functions optimally, allowing the radiator to maintain a low temperature for the cooling water. The cooling fan will continue to operate until the car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) detects that the engine temperature has returned to a range of 90 to 80 degrees Celsius. Once that temperature is reached, the cooling fan will stop automatically.

 

 

That is the information about the functions, components, and how the car cooling system works. Typically, car cooling systems can be categorized into two types based on their operation. The air conditioning system expels heat directly into the air and is commonly found in modern vehicles. On the other hand, the water cooling system utilizes a liquid medium to transfer heat from the engine to the surrounding air. Make sure to check and maintain your car and its components regularly to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.

 

Want to find the best quality car rental? MPMRent always ensures that the car is in the best condition for your comfort while driving. MPMRent currently has 8 branch offices and 18 representative branches throughout Indonesia. In addition, MPMRent has 15,000 vehicle fleet variants for both office operational needs and personal needs. Monthly or yearly car rental made easy at MPMRent at the best prices. Please contact the nearest car rental service in your city.