Cooling System
A vehicle's cooling system is a critical reason that engines are able to last for over 100,000 and sometimes much longer than even 200,000 miles. Anaheim Mobile Mechanic is very well versed in all facets and subcomponents of the automotive cooling system. Our skilled and certified mobile mechanic technicians have many years of experience dealing with all the components of the cooling system. They've repaired radiator leaks, cooling fan failures, stuck thermostats, leaking radiator hoses, and replaced broken water pumps.
The automotive cooling system functions by removing the heat caused by the internal cylinder combustions of fuel that produce a ton of heat. Water galleys or passageways through the engine block and heads connect to hoses (radiator hoses) that move coolant, which is mixed with water, to the radiator. The coolant's flow is metered by a thermostat where it flows through numerous channels in the radiator. There, it is cooled as it flows through the channels by air that is rushing through it from driving at speed or is pulled through it by the cooling fan or fans when the car is moving slowly or is at a stop. The now-cooler coolant is moved back to the engine through a lower radiator hose to start the process all over again. The water pump functions to pump the water through the cooling system.
The benefit of all this is an internal combustion engine that can operate at an optimal temperature range which greatly prolongs the life of the engine. The cooler temperature range allows the oil that lubricates the internal engine components to remain fresh and effectively do its job lubricating everything.
Radiator Repairs
Since the radiator is the heart of the cooling system, it's critical that it's kept in good condition. Over time, the slight wriggling of the car as it operates will cause tiny cracks in the small tubes that form the water passageways that make up the radiator. This allows coolant to leak out. The inside of the radiator can also get obstructed by mineral deposits and sediment from the coolant flowing through it. Eventually, the radiator starts leaking or limits the flow of coolant and needs to be replaced. Our mobile mechanics are experienced in replacing radiators for all makes and models of cars and trucks.
Cooling Fans
Cooling fans and the cooling fan shroud are another vital cooling system component. The cooling fan pulls air through a wind channel that starts at the very front of the car and ends at the back of the cooling fan shroud. This creates a tunnel that forces air past the radiator and cools the coolant. The cooling fan is very important for stop-and-go driving as it moves air past the radiator when the car is stopped or moving slowly. When the car is at highway speeds, there is enough air moving through the radiator and the cooling fan's benefit is negligible.
Water Pump
The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. It moves the cooler fluid leaving the radiator into the engine while forcing the hotter coolant that is exiting the engine back into the radiator. The water pump is usually powered by a belt (either a fan belt or a serpentine belt) and is a pretty simple component. Usually, the water pump will begin to leak fluid through a weep hole that's designed to let the vehicle owner know that the water pump's bearing is worn out and that it (the water pump) needs to be replaced.
Hoses
Radiator hoses are the most common problem areas of a vehicle's cooling system. Anaheim Mobile Mechanic gets a lot of calls throughout the year to replace leaking radiator hoses. Often a puddle of colored coolant will be found in the garage or driveway where the vehicle is parked. This is the first sign that there's a cooling system problem. Then a more thorough inspection will show a hose to be leaking. Typically, green coolant will be weeping out around the end attachment points where the radiator hoses connect to the block or the radiator. If you see signs like this or think your vehicle needs a diagnostic assessment, it's time to give us a call.
