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Cooling System Checks Critical Coming Into Summer

Cooling System Checks Critical Coming Into Summer
June 08, 2022

4x4 off roading vehicle

Introduction: Importance of Maintaining the Cooling System

As the summer months approach, it is important for workshops to pay attention to the overall health of the cooling system and each of its components. The modern cooling system consists of multiple parts to deal with the tremendous heat generated by today’s engines. The primary job of the cooling system is to prevent the engine from overheating and thus avoid catastrophic engine damage. Anything that decreases the system’s ability to absorb, transport and dissipate heat can cause the engine to operate at reduced efficiency or even overheat.

 

Components of the Cooling System

The cooling system is made up of various parts, including cooling system hoses, radiator, expansion tank, fan, thermal switch, water pump, and more. All of these components need to be maintained at the highest level of performance and efficiency to ensure the cooling system functions properly.

 

Importance of Maintaining Cooling System Hoses

Cooling system hoses are among the most essential components of the system, carrying coolant through the entire circuit. Damage to hoses can inhibit the flow of coolant, causing the cooling system to fail. Possible sources of damage to hoses can include electrochemical degradation, leakage, heat, ozone, abrasion, and oil contamination. With smaller engines becoming more powerful and leaving less space under the bonnet, coolant hoses must now fight ever-higher temperatures and come in ever-more shapes and sizes to fit specific applications and tight engine spaces. This highlights the importance of choosing coolant hoses that are electrochemical resistant.

 

Modular Assemblies: A New Trend

Car manufacturers are designing the majority of new coolant and heater hose parts as branched/modular assemblies. The use of modular hose in just about every passenger car/light trucks make continues to expand. The modular hoses manufactured by Gates® now have quick-connects, sensors, restrictors, valves, and other components built into the hose, and this trend is going to continue.

 

Sales Opportunities for Workshops

Modular hoses represent great sales opportunities for workshops. However, these new modular hoses are not as reliable as traditional single-piece hoses, as quick connects and seals can become brittle from heat and crack or break from vibration or general maintenance when the hose is jolted or repositioned.

 

Handling High Pressure in Modern Cooling Systems

Modern cooling systems now have 50 psi constant pressure with spikes of 70-80 psi. Standard clamps over a barb cannot hold this pressure, and quick connects with an over-mold clamp are required. Check valves and flow restrictors are needed to control the coolant flow. Hoses must use the latest reinforcement technology to be able to handle these pressures.

Gates® has a comprehensive range for popular makes and models and comes with features such as:

Gates® offers OE-quality solutions to all of these potential issues, ensuring that when fitted with Gates® products, vehicles always run to or exceed manufacturer’s specifications. Gates® is one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading suppliers of cooling system components and a true cooling system expert. Gates® customers appreciate the wide variety of choices our OE-quality coolant hose range offers. It includes modular, curved, flexible, straight and small ID (inside diameter) hoses covering upper, lower, by-pass, heater and other coolant transfer applications.

Gates® recommends that preventive maintenance is carried out at each service. All components of the cooling system should be checked for wear and damage, as outlined above, and any damaged parts replaced immediately to avoid worst case scenarios. As well as saving your customer time and money, this is also good news for you as it improves customer satisfaction levels with your workshop and keeps your customers coming back.


For more information on any of these issues and for a complete trouble-shooting guide, including replacement guidelines, go to www.GatesAustralia.com.au/CoolingManual.

 

 Feel free to give us a call and speak to one of our friendly offroad experts on 1300 791 058.