The Basics Of The Coolant System

A Word of Wisdom: Have your coolant system flushed and serviced by checking for leaks or any weak points in the coolant hoses, water pump, heater core once a year.

The engine can reach thousands of degrees Fahrenheit. It takes only half that heat to melt iron.

• The coolant enters the radiator through the top radiator hose, which is usually connected to the top of the radiator.
• When the liquid has cooled it leaves the radiator through the bottom radiator hose.
• A fan is located behind the radiator, positioned so that it can draw air through the radiator.
• The water pump draws the liquid from the radiator through the bottom radiator hose and sends it to the engine, where it circulates through water jackets located around the combustion chamber in the cylinder and other hot parts.
• On some models the timing belt drives your water pump, the water pump will be difficult to see unless you remove the timing belt cover. On other models the accessory drive belt, drives the water pump.
• The thermostat is the only part of the cooling system that does not cool things off. Instead it helps the liquid in the coolant system warm up the engine quickly. When the thermostat senses that the liquid (coolant) is cold it shuts and doesn't allow the liquid to circulate through the radiator.
• Heater core is located inside the vehicle between the instrument panel and the firewall. It provides heat for the passenger compartment. The same liquid that the water pump circulates throughout the engine also circulates through the heater core when the engine is operating.
• Air conditioning system uses refrigerant to remove the heat from the air rather than cooling it and a blower to send the cool air into the passenger compartment.

Learn more about the systems...

The Starter System

The Ignition System

The Brake System