Expert advices

COOLING SYSTEM: TECHNICAL EXPLANATIONS AND CARE TIPS

COOLING SYSTEM: TECHNICAL EXPLANATIONS AND CARE TIPS

The cooling system is an essential part of your engine’s operation and is often one of the first causes of breakdown. For this reason, it should be checked regularly, especially before going on holiday and long journeys.

Metal 5 experts give you a few tips to help you understand its purpose and keep it in good working order.

What is a cooling system ?

The cooling system is a fairly complex system the purpose of which, as its name suggests, is to cool your vehicle’s engine, thereby avoiding the risks of overheating which could cause costly breakdowns.

On starting, the engine must heat up quickly to run efficiently and avoid excessive fuel consumption. However, if a temperature of 120° is exceeded, some parts of the engine start to deteriorate. To keep them at the right temperature (between 75 and 95°), the engine needs to be cooled, which is the purpose of the cooling system.

The latter is based on the flow of a low-temperature fluid that carries the calories to the radiator so as to release them into the air.

Principle

To successfully perform its task, the cooling system includes several components that provide for the proper flow of coolant and thus the right engine temperature:

  • Hoses which are pipes in which the coolant flows.
  • The cooling radiator which cools the fluid.
  • The water pump which speeds up the flow of fluid.
  • The thermostat which is a valve that controls the flow of coolant.
  • Coolant, consisting of water, glycol and additives that prevent freezing and boiling.
  • Fans.

Operating mode

When the engine is first started, it is cold and has reach a certain temperature for it to run properly. To cause the engine temperature to rise quickly, part of the system is thus reduced by means of a thermostat. The thermostat acts as a “temperature controller”. It opens and closes depending on the engine’s temperature, allowing coolant to flow through the entire cooling system.
When the engine reaches the ideal temperature, the thermostat opens letting the fluid flow through the other part of the system to avoid overheating. The fluid then flows out of the engine block system hot, and is sent to the radiator, which cools it down through the flow of air from outside. The cooled fluid flows back through the engine block system to cool it and keep it at an optimum temperature of about 90°.
The fans that blow air into the radiator help to cool the fluid more quickly.

Your dashboard allows you to monitor your engine’s temperature, with the temperature needle indicating the temperature level. When the temperature rises to its maximum, this is a sign of overheating, and it is then best to stop.

Circuit

Risks of failing to clean the cooling system

A cooling fault means that the engine is not protected and causes overheating or pressure build-up which can damage the cylinder head gasket.

Our expert tips on caring for your cooling system

  • Driving slowly in traffic rather than stopping and starting.
  • Turn off the engine if traffic is blocked and also turn off the air conditioning system.
  • Change the oil regularly..
  • Make sure that the fans are operating properly.
  • Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.

Our solutions

Metal 5 cooling system additives help prevent corrosion by thoroughly cleaning your car’s cooling system. The radiator anti-leak product seals micro-leaks in the cooling system and seals the radiator and its seals.

– METAL 5 – RADIATOR ANTI-LEAK PRODUCT
– METAL 5 – RADIATOR DESCALING PRODUCT
– METAL 5 – RADIATOR OIL REMOVER

So, to avoid major breakdowns of your car, choose our range of Metal 5 coolant additives!

METAL 5 – Déshuilant Radiateur – 300 ml

26,90
Dégraisse les circuits de refroidissement. Compatible avec tous les moteurs

METAL 5 – Détartrant radiateur – 300 ml

18,90
Convient pour les radiateurs en plastique, en aluminium ou en acier. Prévient les surchauffes moteur

METAL 5 – Anti-Fuite Radiateur – 300 ml

15,15
Assure l'étanchéité des joints et du radiateur. Protège de la rouille et de la corrosion

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