Flash Cooling

The cooling system is an essential element for the proper functioning of an engine. Its main function is to ensure the rapid rise in temperature of the engine and to maintain a constant operating temperature and pressure to prevent engine overheating.

Care and maintenance is therefore imperative to prolong the life of the engine and to avoid breakdowns related to the cooling of the vehicle.

What is the role of the cooling circuit?

The combustion temperature of an engine rises to 800°C in a few minutes when it is running. This rise in temperature is regulated by the thermostat. This is a valve that opens and closes, depending on the temperature of the coolant, to regulate the engine temperature.

When the engine is cold, it prevents the circulation of coolant between the engine and the radiator to allow the engine to reach its optimum operating temperature as quickly as possible.

When the engine reaches this temperature, the thermostat gradually opens and hot coolant can flow to the radiator to be cooled.

Elements of the cooling system

The cooling circuit is made up of several elements including :

• Coolant
• A radiator
• A thermostat
• A water pump
• An expansion tank

How do cooling circuit get damaged?

The use of used coolant can have a negative impact on the proper functioning of the cooling system. A coolant with a lower pH will increase its acidity and therefore its corrosiveness. This corrosion causes solid particles to detach from the metal surfaces of the cooling system creating a sludge that clogs radiators and corrodes thermostats and water pumps.

The risks are either a failure of the radiator or the thermostat, or the appearance of leaks on the water pumps or hoses. In both cases, these two problems can have serious consequences for the engine, including engine breakage.

How to provide cooling circuit protection?

For better protection of the cooling system, it is advisable to check and replace the coolant in a vehicle regularly. This replacement maintains the correct pH level so that the coolant is not too corrosive and does not damage the metal parts of the cooling system and therefore the radiators, thermostats and water pumps.

How do I replace the coolant?

For fast and efficient coolant replacement, the Flash Cooling® station is the ideal tool. By connecting directly to the vehicle’s expansion tank, draining, purging and replacing the coolant can be done in minutes and without disassembly.