Auto Service: Why You Need to Maintain Your Car

Welcome to my blog. My name is Ken. One day, I was driving home from work when the engine in my car failed. While I waited for the recovery truck to arrive, I realised I didn’t have a clue what went on underneath the bonnet of my car. I signed up for an auto service course at my local community college, so I could gain the skills I needed to properly maintain my car and repair it if something when wrong while I was on the road. I wanted to start a blog to pass on these skills to other people so that they can look after their automobiles.

Is Your Car's Oil Cooler Working As Well As It Should?

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The modern-day car engine is so silent that it's hard to believe what actually goes on inside. Within each combustion chamber is a controlled explosion, and, amazingly, this can sometimes cause the temperature to rise to more than 104.4°C. With so much mayhem in such a small place, it's even more amazing that the lubricating oil is able to do its job and stop the engine from disintegrating entirely. Nevertheless, it is crucial to ensure that the oil is in good condition and is, in itself, kept as cool as possible. Why do you need to keep an eye on your oil cooler as a consequence?

How Everything Works

As the name implies, the cooler regulates the temperature of the lubricant as part of an ongoing cycle. The oil is then pumped through the engine and then exits through a sequence of pipes or hoses to a forward fitted oil cooler. This cooler looks like a conventional radiator and sits on the front of the vehicle, where it can benefit from the oncoming airflow. As the oil passes through a tiny matrix of pipes, it will be cooled down before it is then pumped back into the engine to start again.

Watching the Cooler

The cooler is quite robust, but you'll need to keep an eye on it to ensure that it continues to perform as designed. Sometimes, microscopic particles of metal can bypass the filter and may build up within those tiny pipes. If that happens, the system could become clogged and will be far less efficient. Also, you need to keep a closer eye on the gasket. This is a protective mechanism that helps to seal the oil cooler and keep the lubricant in its place. It's made from a degradable material and may begin to perish over time, and when it does, the lubricant could leak, which is a situation you'll want to avoid at all costs.

What You Can Do

If you notice any dark stains on the floor underneath the engine bay, check to see if your oil filter gasket is still intact. If it's not, you need to schedule an urgent visit to your mechanic. Otherwise, make sure that you keep up with your regular service appointments in every case. The technician will take a close look at the oil cooler and will flush out any accumulation if necessary. Should they need to change the gasket, they can do this at the same time.

Moving Forward

Remember, your engine will continue to be reliable so long as the oil is doing its job. Give the lubricant a helping hand and keep a close eye on that cooler. For more information about oil cooler repairs, contact a local auto service.

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14 December 2021