Engine Heating & Cooling Systems

Don't Get Overheated

Because a car using internal combustion is harnessing the energy of small explosions, a vehicle gets very hot while being driven. An engine going 50 MPH will create around 4,000 small explosions per minute. If that car is going down a hot blacktop highway in August, the cooling system must be working correctly to avoid overheating. If you notice that the temperature gauge in your dash is high, pull the vehicle over, preferably out of the sun, and let the engine cool off. Know how to handle an overheating car with this online guide by NAPA AUTO PARTS.

Be sure to monitor your vehicle's coolant levels regularly, especially in the hotter months, when the fluid can burn off faster. Check for greenish, sweet-smelling fluid under your car, as this could indicate a coolant leak. NAPA AUTO PARTS offers a variety of coolant and antifreeze brands for those drivers who need to top off during summer trips. Because coolant, which is often a mixture of antifreeze, can become contaminated with particles or too acidic to fight off corrosion, most vehicle owners are advised to change the coolant every 30,000 miles, or every two to three years. In general, you should perform a flush every five years, or when you've reached 100,000 miles. Get more NAPA Know How on how to check fluid levels in your car or truck.

Stay Cool Under The Hood

Modern vehicles use two types of cooling systems: liquid cooled and air cooled. Air-cooled engines are not as popular in recent years, however older Porches and Volkswagens are still air cooled, whereas a Honda Accord or a Toyota 4Runner use liquid cooling.

Liquid cooling systems use a water pump to constantly circulate liquid through the engine block, absorbing the heat from the engine. The heated liquid is then pushed to the radiator, where it is cooled by the air coming in through the grille of the vehicle. The liquid is pushed through the elements of the radiator, cooling it down further before it travels back to the engine to begin the process again. The thermostat, positioned between the engine and the radiator, regulates the allocation of the coolant, depending on the temperature. NAPA AUTO PARTS offers water pumps, radiator parts and hoses, as well as all the electrical components for cooling systems.

Keep Warm In The Winter

Extremely cold temperatures can be just as challenging as hot summers. If a car is running too cold, the liquid in the coolant or antifreeze will bypass the radiator and go straight back into the engine. Once the coolant is warm enough, the thermostat valve will open and allow the coolant to route to the radiator again.

Some drivers may get a Check Engine light that throws a P0128 code-Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature. This means the Power Control Module has detected that the engine is taking too long to heat up. Be sure to check your antifreeze levels and your thermostat, as the valve may be stuck open. NAPA AUTO PARTS has a wide range of thermostats and thermostat housings, heating and cooling exchanges and antifreeze reservoir parts to keep your engine warm in the coldest months.

Start preparing now for extreme weather with NAPA AUTO PARTS engine heating and cooling parts, available for 30 minute curbside pickup.