How does a cooling system work?

Answer 1

Basically the cooling system takes care of the temperature of the engine, not only to cool it down but to heat it up too. You see, the engine doesn't work when overheated but when it is cold the components wear out faster.

There are two types of cooling systems found on cars: liquid cooled and air cooled.

Liquid CoolingThis cooling system circulates a fluid through pipes and passageways in the engine. The liquid then passes through the hot engine and absorbs the heat.

Then, the fluid goes to a heat exchanger, or radiator, which transfers the heat from the fluid to the air blowing through that same radiator.

Note that the fluid used cannot be only water because although water is the perfect heat holder it freezes at low temperature so this fluid is a mix of water and a product usually called antifreezer.

Air Cooling

Instead of circulating fluid through the engine, the engine block is covered in aluminum fins that conduct the heat away from the cylinder and these fins are kept cool by a very powerful fan that forces air over them, transferring the heat to the air.

This system is growing out of use and can be found in older cars.