How the Coolant Travels Through a Car Engine

Introduction

Coolant is a vital fluid in a car engine. It helps to keep the engine from overheating by absorbing heat and carrying it away from the engine block and cylinder heads. Coolant also helps to prevent corrosion and lubricate the water pump.

How the Coolant System Works

The coolant system is a closed loop system. It consists of the following components:

A water pump
A thermostat
A radiator
A coolant reservoir

The water pump is driven by the engine’s timing belt or chain. It circulates the coolant through the engine block and cylinder heads. The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the radiator. When the engine is cold, the thermostat is closed and the coolant circulates through the engine block only. As the engine warms up, the thermostat opens and the coolant begins to flow through the radiator. The radiator is a heat exchanger that cools the coolant as it flows through it. The cooled coolant then returns to the engine block and the cycle repeats.

Types of Coolant

There are two main types of coolant: green coolant and orange coolant. Green coolant is a traditional coolant that is made from ethylene glycol and water. Orange coolant is a newer coolant that is made from propylene glycol and water. Propylene glycol is less toxic than ethylene glycol, so orange coolant is safer to use if it is accidentally ingested.

How to Check the Coolant Level

It is important to check the coolant level regularly. The coolant level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the coolant reservoir. If the coolant level is low, it can cause the engine to overheat. If the coolant level is high, it can cause the coolant to leak out of the system.

How to Flush the Coolant System

The coolant system should be flushed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Flushing the coolant system removes old coolant, rust, and other contaminants from the system. To flush the coolant system, follow these steps:

Drain the old coolant from the radiator.
Fill the radiator with a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% water.
Run the engine for 10-15 minutes.
Drain the coolant from the radiator again.
Repeat steps 2-4 until the coolant that drains from the radiator is clear.

Conclusion

The coolant system is a vital part of a car engine. It helps to keep the engine from overheating, prevents corrosion, and lubricates the water pump. It is important to check the coolant level regularly and to flush the coolant system every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.