Cooling
What is a Cooling System?
Stops the engine cooking itself.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
A sealed loop of coolant (water plus antifreeze) flowing through the engine, radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat and expansion tank.
A simple analogy
"It is the engine's sweat system — a constantly circulating shower of cool fluid that stops it overheating."
How it works
The water pump pushes hot coolant out of the engine, through the radiator where the airflow cools it, and back round again. The thermostat keeps the engine at its ideal temperature.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Temperature gauge climbing into the red
- ⚠Sweet smell of coolant
- ⚠Steam from under the bonnet
- ⚠Coolant level dropping or visible leaks
Rough UK cost
£150–£2,000+ depending on which part fails
Parts: Varies by component
Labour: Varies by component
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.
Heads up: Carautonomy is for general guidance only. If your car is showing warning lights or behaving oddly, get it looked at by a qualified mechanic.