Car Radiator and Engine Cooling in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Understanding Your Car's Cooling System

Your car's cooling system works by sending a liquid coolant through passages in the engine block and heads. As the coolant flows through these passages, it picks up heat from the engine. The heated coolant then passes through a rubber hose to the top inlet of the radiator in front of the car. The coolant flows down through the thin tubes in the radiator; the hot coolant is cooled by the air stream entering the engine compartment from the grill. Once the coolant is cooled, it returns to the engine through a rubber hose to absorb more heat. The water pump keeps the fluid moving through the entire system.

The Radiator

Most modern cars have radiators made of thin aluminum tubes with aluminum fins that zigzag between the tubes. Air is pulled through the fins via cooling fans, transferring heat into the air stream and away from the vehicle. The radiator has two tanks: one for heated coolant inlet and another for cooled fluid outlet.

The Pressure Cap and Reservoir Tank

The cooling system is sealed. When the coolant gets hot, it expands and increases pressure. Coolant made with ethylene glycol has a higher boiling point than water, allowing it to safely reach temperatures above 250 degrees under pressure. The pressure cap maintains this pressure and releases excess pressure through a spring-loaded valve, directing a small amount of coolant to the reservoir tank. As the engine cools down, a vacuum forms, drawing the coolant back into the radiator from the reservoir tank.

The Water Pump

The water pump keeps the coolant moving through the system while the engine is running. It can be driven by a fan belt, serpentine belt, timing belt, or gears.

The Thermostat

The thermostat is a valve that measures the coolant's temperature. If the coolant is hot enough, it opens to allow flow to the radiator. If not, it directs fluid back to the engine via a bypass system. This helps the engine reach operating temperature sooner and allows the heater to supply hot air more quickly on cold days.

The Heater Core

The heater core, similar to a small radiator, provides heat to the vehicle's interior when needed. Connected to the cooling system by rubber hoses, it uses a blower fan to draw air through the heater core and direct it through the heater ducts. Temperature is regulated by a blend door that mixes outside air or air-conditioned air with the heated air.

Signs of Overheating

• Temperature Gauge: If your engine runs hotter than normal, it's time for an inspection.
• Coolant Leaks: Look for green, orange, or yellow fluid under your vehicle, indicating coolant loss and the need for inspection.
• Squealing Noise: A squealing noise when engine RPM increases could indicate a loose belt, causing poor water pump circulation.

Our Certified Service technicians inspect your cooling system as part of our 21-Point Inspection during every service visit. Your cooling system should be serviced annually to prevent engine damage from overheating.