Cooling Repair in Plainview, NY

Cooling

Cooling System Repair

When an engine is running, gas is ignited in each cylinder many times per minute. This naturally generates a massive amount of heat that could destroy the engine if not controlled properly–that’s where the cooling system comes in. A vehicle’s cooling system circulates a liquid coolant through the engine and then out to the radiator where it is cooled by air coming through the front grill. The main components of a cooling system include passages within the engine block and heads, a water pump to circulate coolant, a thermostat to monitor coolant temperature, and a radiator to cool the liquid after it has travelled through the engine. As the anti-freeze travels through these passages, it picks up heat from the engine and carries it away to the radiator where it is cooled. Once cooled, the liquid is sent back through the engine. It’s important to maintain coolant levels to prevent engine overheating and potential damage. At Plainview Auto Care, we recommend that coolant be changed every 24,000 miles and that any cracked or leaking components or brittle hoses be replaced at the same time.

Radiator

As stated, a radiator cools the fluid circulated in the cooling system before it travels back to the engine, since engines generate an enormous amount of heat and must be cooled continuously to function properly.  Without the radiator, the coolant would continue to circulate at high temperatures, and would eventually cause the engine to overheat.

Over time, leaks can form in the radiator. At the first sign of leaks it’s important to have them fixed to prevent expensive damage to the engine. Plainview Auto Care prides itself on providing the Plainview area with superior service at the best possible price. If you’re experiencing any issues with your radiator, come by Plainview Auto Care. Our expert technicians are happy to help!

Thermostat

The cooling system’s thermostat is simply a valve that measures and regulates the temperature of coolant.  The thermostat’s job is to determine when the coolant has absorbed enough heat from the engine and can be released into the radiator and vice versa. If it’s not hot enough, the thermostat will seal the radiator, forcing the coolant to circulate throughout the engine. If the coolant is too hot in the radiator, it won’t be released. If the thermostat is stuck open, the engine will run cooler than it should and use more fuel. Conversely, a thermostat that is stuck closed will cause the engine to overheat and could cause serious damage to the engine. Symptoms of a bad thermostat include a knocking sound when accelerating, low temperature gauge readings, overheating, decrease in fuel economy, and a malfunctioning heater. If you experience any of these issues, bring your car in a soon as possible. Plainview Auto Care’s service and repair center.

Coolant

To keep the engine running at proper temperature, the liquid coolant that is used in the cooling systems is designed to withstand temperatures above 250 degrees without boiling and temperatures below zero without freezing. The liquid is generally a mixture of antifreeze and water that also contains additives to prevent rust and corrosion. Over time, the coolant can become corrosive and, if not flushed, can cause problems in the cooling system. Corrosive coolant will eventually lead to overheating and coolant leaks. At Plainview Auto Care, we recommend that your vehicle’s coolant be flushed on a regular basis to prevent unnecessary damage to the cooling system. Any leaking components or brittle, spongy, or cracked hoses should be replaced before the antifreeze is replaced.