| Topic | Summary |
| Basic cooling system components |
The primary components in a vehicle cooling system are: radiator, thermostat & housing, water pump, cooling fan, radiator hoses and heater hoses. |
| Radiator |
Many radiators are mounted at the front of the vehicle in the path of greatest airflow. The air carries heat away, cooling the liquid before it returns to absorb more heat from the engine. |
| Coolant hoses |
Cooling system hoses are flexible to allow for movement, and molded to fit the shape needed. Most hoses are made of rubber, and reinforced with a layer of fabric. |
| Water pump |
The water pump pumps coolant through the engine and radiator. It is belt-driven from a pulley. A hose connects it to the bottom of the radiator. |
| Cooling system thermostat |
A thermostat shortens an engine's warming-up period. It is a valve operated by coolant temperature. It stops coolant circulating through the system while the engine is cold. |
| Cooling fans |
A fan helps generate airflow through a radiator. It can be driven either by a belt off the crankshaft, or electrically. It can be controlled according to temperature. |
| Temperature indicators |
A temperature indicator is a device that is sensitive to engine temperature. It sends readings to a temperature gauge or a warning lamp. |
| Radiator pressure cap |
One way to help prevent a coolant boiling is to use a radiator pressure cap that uses pressure to change the temperature at which water boils. |
| Recovery system |
A recovery system keeps the cooling system full. As engine temperature rises, coolant expands and flows out into a container. As it cools it returns to the radiator. |
| Boiling point & pressure |
Changes in water pressure can change the temperature at which it boils. |
| Electrolysis |
Electrolysis is a chemical and electrical process. It occurs when two different metals are in contact, in the presence of a moist agent such as water. One of the metals is corroded away. |
| Centrifugal force |
Centrifugal force is a force pulling outward on a rotating body. |
| Thermo-switch |
A thermo-switch opens and closes according to pre-set temperature levels. |
