Ensure Efficient and Optimum Cooling in Summer
[ By Desigan Govender, brand manager – Engine Systems, Control Instruments-Automotive, suppliers of the Echlin range of products]
Your vehicle’s cooling system works the hardest in keeping your engine at optimum operating levels, especially when the ambient temperatures is high in summer. Before leaving on a holiday trip, be sure to check your vehicle’s cooling system. Here are some tips:
More effort than usual is placed on the engine during long holiday trips because it will run at constant speeds and high-revs, under load. The ambient outside summer temperature as well as the high external temperatures will influence the temperature levels of your car’s engine.
COOLING
Radiator caps are important for sealing engine coolant in the coolant system as well as pressurising the system to avoid the water boiling at a low temperature.
Radiator caps regulate the build-up of steam and pressure within the coolant system. When checking your coolant level, ensure that the radiator cap is fitted correctly by checking the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual.
Radiator caps have specific pressure levels and operate according to the manufacturer’s design of the cooling system. ECHLIN radiator caps are manufactured according the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. They are not mass produced as one size fits all.
It is also important not to twist open, the radiator cap, whilst the engine is hot, because the escaping steam and hot water could cause injury.
Fan Switch
A fan switch is critical in controlling the running period of the radiator’s cooling fan. This draws air through the radiator to cool the coolant fluid that ultimately regulates the engine temperature. Have this checked.
Thermostat
The thermostat is important for regulating the amount of coolant flowing through the engine. It also assists with cold start and in bringing the engine temperature to the optimum operating levels.
The thermostat also speeds up the time in which the engine reaches optimum operating temperature. Most engine damage occurs when engines are at cold temperature levels, below optimum operating levels.
The vehicle’s fuelling systems and catalytic converters are also reliant on optimum operating engine temperatures to function efficiently. Running an engine below or above optimum operating temperate levels can result in component wear and ultimately engine failure.
Water Pumps
The water pump forms an integral part of the engine cooling system because it is the main component responsible for pumping the coolant through the engine, including the radiator.
Other cooling system components are reliant on the continuous coolant flow to function correctly, while the water pump is responsible for continuous, uninterrupted flow.
Do a visual inspection, especially with warmer weather. Warm weather can affect the safe operation of the engine. Any signs of water leaks in the pumps will indicate possible water pump failure and will need to be replaced.
Temperature Sender and Temperature Gauge
The Temperature Sender is responsible for sending temperature signals to the temperature gauge. This is the main indicator/information display to the driver – to inform the driver of engine temperature at all times.
Any unusual temperature indications, below or above the optimum operating temperature levels, signals a problem in the cooling system. It is important to monitor the temperature gauge frequently while driving. If the temperature gauge does not register any indication, it could possibly be due to a failed temperature sender and needs to be checked urgently.
Timing Belts (Cam Belts)
This is the belt that connects the crankshaft to the camshafts. It is responsible for the engine’s cycle timing as the well as fuelling and ignition timing. In some vehicles, this also drives the cooling system water pump.
It is the most neglected component in a vehicle’s engine, even though it forms a critical part of an efficient running engine. Failure of the timing belt will most likely result in serious and costly engine damage such as broken valves and piston damage.
Timing belts have specific replacement intervals, specified by the manufacturer and should always be replaced at these specified intervals. Refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s service interval booklet.
Also view:
Vehicle Maintenance and Road Safety
About Echlin
ECHLIN, distributed by Control Instruments-Automotive, is acknowledged as a premium brand in the ignition, fuel, cooling, switch and auto-electrical category.
For nearly 60 years ECHLIN has remained at the forefront of product range development, boasting the widest range of radiator caps, oil filler caps, locking caps, ignition products, water pumps, fuel pumps, carburettor kits, thermostats and switches addressing the South African automotive aftermarket. ECHLIN is the industry reference in terms of range and quality.
The company has also been a leading cooling, fuel, and ignition products brand for over 60 years with one of the most comprehensive ranges in the industry, catering for the majority of South African passenger and light commercial vehicles.
License agreements and partnerships with original equipment manufacturers have allowed ECHLIN to remain at the forefront of the development of products and components for the automotive markets in sub-Saharan Africa.