The heating and cooling system in your vehicle have one thing in common.  Antifreeze.  Antifreeze passes through the engine block and radiator to cool the engine and it passes through the heater core to heat the cabin.  Padonia Auto Service has the necessary skill and equipment to maintain these very important systems so that you don’t end up broken down, overheated or freezing while you drive.

 

Cooling System

This system is designed to prevent your car from overheating.  The system consists of a radiator, a water pump, the thermostat, hoses and antifreeze/coolant.  To the right is an example of a typical cooling system.

Anti-freeze/coolant

A petroleum based solution used in most automobiles to keep the water in your coolant system from freezing in colder climates and boiling in hotter climates like those in Maryland.  It also protects copper and aluminum parts throughout the cooling system from corroding and deterioration.  Antifreeze comes in different colors and brands.  Most vehicles require a specific type of antifreeze.  No matter what type of car you have, we’ve got the correct antifreeze.

Coolant Drain & Fill / Flush

A drain and refill service involves draining the antifreeze from the radiator only.  It is then refilled with the proper mixture, usually 50/50 water/antifreeze.  A coolant flush is a far superior service in that the entire cooling system is back-flushed using a hose and water.  This way, all of your antifreeze is replaced and not just a portion.

Cooling System – Expansion Tank

This tank is designed to handle the overflow from the cooling system. As the engine heats up, it warms the coolant, which expands and overflows into the tank.

Fan

The fan pulls the air from outside the vehicle through the radiator to reduce the temperature of the coolant inside the radiator. The fan is essential to avoid overheating.

Radiator

This is the primary unit to keep the engine from overheating.  Cooler air from outside the engine compartment passes through the radiator’s core that is filled with hot coolant/anti-freeze from the engine. The air reduces the temperature of the coolant/anti-freeze before it returns back to the engine.

Thermo Fan Switch

This heat sensitive device controls when the vehicles electric fan is turned on and off. When the engine gets hot, this device turns the fan on.

Thermostat

The thermostat controls the flow of the coolant/anti-freeze and allows quick warm-up. As the engine heats up, the thermostat opens and allows cooler water from the radiator to travel to the engine.

Water pump

This pump sends anti-freeze/coolant throughout the cooling system and is powered by a drive belt.

Heater Core

This is a small unit inside/behind the dashboard.  When you turn your fan on for heat, air is passed over this to be heated up before it comes out of the vents.