Internal combustion engines are prone to heating due to combustion and friction inside the chambers. A cooling system is an essential component that regulates the temperature and prevents overheating. However, there are different types of cooling systems used in different cars. Despite the difference in how they work, they are all responsible for maintaining the optimum temperature for proper engine working.
Let’s discuss the working and types of engine cooling systems in cars in more detail.
What is a Car Cooling System
The cooling system is a part of a vehicle responsible for regulating the engine’s temperature. The regulated temperature enables engines to work efficiently regardless of the internal or external temperature. An engine cooling system parts include the radiator, fans, thermostat valve and water pump.
How Does an Engine Cooling System Work
The working of the cooling system starts when the water pump pushes the coolant (water or oil) in the ways inside the engine block. When coolant travels through these ways it collects the additional heat from the combustion chambers and other places.
After collecting heat, the coolant travels through the thermostat to the radiator grille. The grille consists of smaller tubes in which coolant travels to reduce its temperature. A fan is placed in front of the radiator grille to provide it with air that reduces the temperature of the coolant.
Types of Car Cooling System
Following are the two main types of engine cooling systems used in automobiles.
Air Car Cooling System
The air cooling system is the simplest type of car engine cooling system in which air in the surrounding area is used to cool down the engine. Engines with air cooling systems are designed with multiple aluminium fins that provide extra surface for heat exhaustion. In some cases, a fan is also used to blow air over the engine.
The amount of heat exhaustion is dependent upon multiple factors such as the surface area of the fins, the velocity of air blown by fans and the internal temperature.
The air cooling system is often considered suitable for colder climates. This cooling system is used for smaller engines such as motorbikes.
Pros and Cons of Air Cooling System
Pros
- The air-cooled engines are simply designed that involve lesser manufacturing costs.
- Air cooling systems do not use different types of car coolants thus, they are easy to maintain.
- Fewer parts are used in the air cooling system.
- There is no risk of damage due to extreme environmental conditions
Cons
- The air cooling system can be less efficient in the case of high-power engines.
- It creates more noise during operation.
Water Car Cooling System
The water cooling system in engine uses water as a coolant to reduce the temperature. The water runs in the surroundings of the engine and absorbs heat from the engine block and combustion chambers. The water then returns to the radiator where it is cooled down again before heading back to the engine. The water used in this cooling system is supplied from the water reservoir.
Pros and Cons of Water Cooling System
Pros
- Adequate cooling of high-power turbocharged or V-engines
- Less noisy contrary to air cooling systems
Cons
- Needs regular maintenance and water supply
- The whole system is costly due to multiple auto parts used in it
- Radiators and pipes are prone to rust
Air Vs Water Car Cooling System
- Cost: The air cooling systems are simpler and less costly. Whereas, the water cooling systems are expensive due to multiple parts used in the system.
- Weight: The water cooling system incurred additional weight on the vehicle. However, the air cooling system does not have any weight as it is inbuilt into the engine.
- Maintenance: The water cooling system requires more maintenance contrary to the air cooling system.
- Leakage: The air cooling system is leak-proof as there are no pipes or grille used in it.
- Engines: The air cooling system is not efficient enough for multi-cylinder engines.
This was all about different types of engine cooling systems. A large number of vehicles with multi-cylinder engines are equipped with water cooling systems. However, these cooling systems are more prone to rusting. To eliminate rusting modern vehicles use engine oil to absorb the excessive heat. This increases the efficiency of the cooling system and also reduces the chances of rusting. If you are still driving an old vehicle, it is time to browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and upgrade your old vehicle.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car engine cooling systems.
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