Cooling System Maintenance in Summer

The high temperatures of summer put the cooling system to the test. Regularly checking the coolant, cleaning the radiator and maintaining the fan belt will effectively prevent engine overheating.This article offers practical advice to help you get your equipment through the summer.

Why should we pay more attention to the cooling system in the summer?

During the hot summer days, the heat not only makes people uncomfortable, it also affects the cooling systems of cars, air conditioners and computers.If the cooling system can't keep up, the equipment might simply slow down, or it might just shut down altogether.In particular, the cooling system of older cars or electrical appliances that run for long periods of time must be maintained.

Three steps to a basic checkup.

Check the condition of the coolant.

Before opening the radiator cap, remember to wait for the system to cool down. The coolant level should be between the MIN and MAX marks; if the liquid is murky or contains particles, change it immediately.When you are adding coolant yourself, be sure not to mix different colored coolants, or a chemical reaction may clog your pipes.

Clean the radiator surface.

The dust and cotton fluff that collect in the fins act like a winter coat, so the fins are swept clean with a soft-bristled brush. Stubborn spots can be washed off with a low-pressure water jet.Be sure not to use anything hard to poke around. The heat sink is much more fragile than you think.

Look at the fans and the belts.

After turning on the machine, he listens to the sounds it makes. If the fans make an unusual noise, it may be that the bearings are lacking oil. If the belts have cracks or are loose, they need to be replaced.Press down on the center of the belt with your finger, and if it sinks more than one centimeter, you should adjust the tension.

Details that are easy to overlook.

Don't forget to check the joints of the pipes.

Rubber pipes are easily damaged by heat, and the most important thing to check is whether there are any signs of leaks around the joints.If the hose feels brittle, it's a time bomb waiting to explode.

There's a lot to know about regular air changes.

Air in the cooling system can cause localized overheating. When draining the system, first allow the engine to idle, then slowly loosen the drain screw until a continuous stream of water flows out.Beginners are advised to find an incline to work on, for double the efficiency.

Carry some small emergency tools.

Keep a bottle of distilled water and a can of temporary leak stopper in the trunk.Before adding water, be sure to turn off the heat and let the radiator cool for half an hour. Opening the radiator cap when it is hot can cause serious burns! Temporary stopgap measures are only emergency measures. You still have to bring the car to a repair shop for a complete inspection.

This schedule is the most convenient.

For the average family car, it is recommended that a comprehensive checkup be done before summer, and that a special checkup be done before a long-distance trip.The filters of air conditioners should be cleaned once a month, and the insides of computers should be cleaned twice a year.If you discover that your coolant is disappearing too quickly, don't hesitate to have a professional check it out.