Heater/cooling system for various car models
Radiator thermostat
(16051 Parts)
Water pump
(30143 Parts)
Radiator (engine cooler)
(43822 Parts)
Expansion tank (сoolant recovery tank)
(3016 Parts)
Expansion tank cap (coolant reservoir cap)
(988 Parts)
Blower motor resistor
(2343 Parts)
Heater/cooling system - Tips on check-up, common defects and replacement
Internal combustion engines have a relatively low efficiency. The engines converts only about 37-42% of the energy resulted from the combustion into kinetic energy. Unfortunately, more than half of the energy from the fuel is converted into heat. This also means that you always have to keep the combustion under control so that the engine does not overheat. In order not to waste the produced heat entirely, it is used to heat the interior. This requires a complex system of heat conductors, piping and pumps.
The cooling circuit
The cooling circuit in a water-cooled vehicle (except in ships) is a closed system and consists of five different components. It is very sensitive and detected damages must be treated immediately. A failing cooling circuit can lead to a capital engine damage.
The expansion tank
In most, but recently not in all vehicles, the coolant is being filled in the expansion tank. The expansion tank always displays the status and condition of the coolant. Should the expansion tank is missing, the coolant is filled directly into the radiator cooling system. Defect expansion tanks can have cracks. Constant cracked expansion tanks indicate a larger defect, usually a damaged cylinder head gasket.
Cooler with fan and sensor
The cooler is used to dissipate an excessive heat using wind. It consists of a braid made of aluminum foil, which can be flowed through by the air. The braid is infused with a pipe system made of copper pipes, through which the coolant is designed to flow. To dissipate heat reliably from the cooling circuit in standby position and during very high temperatures outside, the manufacturers installed an additional fan on the radiator. This is driven by an electric motor or directly by the engine. You can identify a damaged radiator if you encounter permanent engine overheating. The radiator should be replaced if the cooler is already so heavily corroded that the cooling fins begin to fall. The same applies to the fan, if it stops functioning.
The hose system in the engine
The engine itself has a hose system through which the coolant is flowing. The engine has a breakdown of the cooling system in the "small" and the "big" cooling circuit. The “small” cooling circuit activates immediately after the start of the cold engine and retains water in the engine. It warms up as fast as possible and it brings the motor to the required operating temperature. The engine requires this heating to ensure that all components expand in the desired manner. For instance, this is very important for the valves because it positions them correctly and prevents them form premature wear. The cooling circuit is regulated by the thermostat. Also, there is simple valve which opens above a certain temperature of the coolant and which activates the major cooling circuit. If the motor becomes not warm enough, the thermostat is usually the cause. This cheap component is easy to replace.
The water pump
The water pump is powered directly by the engine. In many engines it also serves to tighten the cambelt. It is located accessibly on the outer wall of the engine and it must replaced regularly, usually at the same time with the timing belt. Defects at the water pump manifest themselves through leaking and squeaks.
Heat exchanger with ventilation system and blower
The heat exchanger is as an engine radiator but just smaller. It is the actual component that is responsible for the heating of the interior. The heat exchanger is located on the bulkhead and through an ventilation system it is connected with the interior of the car. The quantity of air flowing through the heat exchanger is regulated by the blower, which is controlled from the dashboard. You can suspect defects at the heat exchanger when the heating provided is no longer satisfactory. Another very significant sign of a defect heat exchanger is a strong dew formation on the inside of the windshield. Since the heat exchanger is connected to the cooling system of the engine, a water loss is very dangerous for the engine. The heat exchanger itself is very cheap at all vehicles. Its replacement, on the other hand, is very complicated because the whole dashboard has to be removed, and in most cars also the steering wheel.
Cheap and top quality spare parts
Our online shop provides you with all the spare parts needed for the repair of the heating / cooling system and much more. Look out for special offers and discounts!
