What are the Parts of the Cooling System?

The cooling system's sole function is to regulate the temperature at which the engine operates. If the
cooling system, or any part within it, were to fail it would result in the engine overheating, which can
lead to a number of major problems. Overheating can cause head gaskets to blow and even engine
blocks to crack, if the issue is severe enough. The following are the main parts of the cooling system.
Always pay attention to signs of cooling system failure, as described below.

Cooling Fan

The cooling fan is located at the very front of the vehicle and is designed to turn on when the coolant
(we'll talk more about this in a minute) begins to get to hot. It will turn back off once the coolant has
lowered in temperature.

Radiator

The radiator is specially designed in order to remove the heat from the coolant by transferring it to the
air blown through the radiator by the fan and incoming air from driving. Radiators are prone to leaking
after years of use.

Water Pump

The water pump is what propels the coolant through the engine. A broken water pump will prevent your
cooling system from operating, thus resulting in the engine overheating while driving.

Thermostat

The thermostat is what controls the cooling systems operation, specifically turning the fan on and off.

Hoses

A series of rubber hoses connect the radiator to the engine in which the coolant flows through. These
hoses can also begin to leak after many years of use.

Antifreeze/Coolant

The bread and butter of the cooling system is the coolant. This sweet smelling, bright green fluid flows
through passages in the engine, attracting heat from the engine. It collects the heat and transfers it to
outside air inside the radiator.

Antifreeze can be made using any of these four main agents mixed with water: methanol, glycerol,
ethylene glycol and propylene glycol

glycol is also used in engine coolants to provide freeze protection. The addition of glycol slightly reduces
the heat transfer of the water, but in most climates and applications, freeze protection is critical.

In addition to the base fluid, there are a small amount of other ingredients including corrosion
inhibitors, antifoams, dyes and other additives. While these other ingredients make up only a small
fraction of the coolant, they are what differentiate one coolant from another.
Coolant types

Pre-diluted 50/50 antifreeze means that the coolant is diluted already with some water.

Regular concentrate is made up of water, ethanol, and ethylene glycol.