Understanding the Basics of a Cooling System

What is a Cooling System? 

A cooling system is the mechanics of keeping an area cool either through a fan or air conditioning unit. The cooling system can be preset to maintain the ideal temperature of a room. If the temperature increases past this number, the cooling system would initiate and work to bring it back to the perfect temperature. 

Why are Cooling Systems Important? 

Imagine how it feels to work under a blistering sun; imagine the same situation with an umbrella shade or a fan. Cooling systems are essential as they prevent overheating. They can be found in computers, buildings, cars – essentially anything that operates or runs. 

Without a properly functioning cooling system, you can experience issues in functionality. In addition, the mechanisms may not work as smoothly. Finally, if there is overheating, it could lead to further damages or injury. 

For example, look at the cooling system in your home. During the hotter months, you want to ensure that your cooling system is fully functioning. If it isn't, no matter what the temperature is you have preset, it won't be able to achieve it. The same principle is true for cars. If the cooling system does not operate properly, you may find yourself pulled over on the side of the road, waiting for your car's engine to cool down. 

The Main Parts of a Cooling System

The main parts of a cooling system are: 

Radiator – This is where the coolant passes through a tube to the heat source area, for example, the engine or motor. 

Water pump – As the coolant passes through the tube, it makes its way through to the water pump, then pumps it back to the engine and creates a cycle between them. In a car, if the pump is not working correctly, this can impact the cooling mechanism of the vehicle.

Freeze plugs – Similarly to the plug in a bathtub, the freeze plugs prevent any coolant from leaking into areas that it shouldn't. Freeze plugs can be made either with brass, rubber, or steel. The ideal material for your needs is going to vary; however, once they start to erode away or unable to prevent leaking, it is essential to replace them. 

Head gasket – Tieing things together is the head gasket, which protects the oils and coolants from mixing together.

Heater core – In cars, heat is required to get the coolant from one part to another. Therefore, if there is a leak in the heater core, you may notice some leaking or steaming, to which this would need to be addressed immediately.

Thermostat – When you are setting the temperature, whether it's on the AC or knowing the ideal temperatures, you are using the thermostat. The temperature you set via the thermostat remains at the temperature unless it exceeds it, which the cooling system may initiate. If not, this could lead to overheating.

Hose – The coolant moves through the mechanics via the hose. It is essential to ensure that the hose does not have leaks or damages as it connects parts together. 

Fan – To disperse the effects of the coolant, a fan is required. Without a fan, the benefits of the coolant can't be enjoyed. 

Protecting Your Cooling System 

Routinely monitoring and maintaining your cooling system is not only going to benefit you but the machine device as well. Not taking care of the parts of a cooling system when there are leaks, loud noises, or no cooling, in general, can lead to further damages and issues. For example, if your car is leaking coolant, your vehicle won't be able to operate to its fullest. 

Here are ways you can protect and maintain your cooling system. 

• Refill the coolant when it is running low, but also don't let it run low either. 
• Ensure the radiator cap is on tight. If it isn't, the coolant could leak to other areas, resulting in damages or issues. 
• Flush the cooling system – A lot goes through the hoses to get through to the mechanics of a cooling system. Therefore, it is crucial to flush the cooling system every so often to maintain a clear passageway. 

These are just a few recommendations that you can do to make sure your device or mechanism is functioning correctly. 

One-Stop-Shop for Your Cooling System Needs

If you ever find yourself in a situation where your cooling system has broken down or need replacement parts, consider PartsMax. With over 20 years of experience, PartsMax can provide you with all your parts needs. Competitive pricing and knowledgeable staff, whatever the missing or broken part, we are ready to help. 

Servicing the South Florida area, PartsMax offers next-day delivery and a wholesale option for larger orders. Whether you are a business or not, PartsMax has the part you need to get the job done.