By the combustion of fuel, an engine may transform chemical energy into heat energy, generating power

to drive vehicles, machinery, and other equipment. As a portion of the total heat produced by the
combustion of fuel as it is utilized to drive the piston downward and then generate energy. The extra heat
is then dispersed by the exhaust gases as they pass through the exhaust valves, and the remaining heat is
then absorbed by the engine itself. This raises the temperature of the engine, which is then lowered by
the coolant to keep the engine at a suitable operating temperature within the range of its normal
operating temperature.

The most basic components of an automotive engine cooling system are the radiator, fan, water pump,
coolant reservoir, thermostat, heater core, and any plumbing required for the radiator and heater core.

When the engine is started, the water pump attached to it circulates the required amount of coolant
around the engine cylinder through the lower radiator tank and then through the coolant passages. The
engine block, the cylinder head, and finally the radiator outlet are all places where the coolant travels
after leaving the lower tank. The coolant then works to absorb the heat produced by combustion and
moves in the direction of the radiator inlet.

But until the coolant temperature is raised to at least above engine operating temperature, which ranges
from 200 to 250 degrees Celsius, the thermostat prevents the coolant from flowing towards the radiator.
At this point, the coolant is compelled to flow through the heater core through the bypass line in the event
that the heater within the cabin is turned on. Heat is transferred from the coolant to the air flowing within
the passenger compartment via the heater core, a miniature radiator that serves as a heat exchanger.

The thermostat, on the other hand, serves as a regulating valve to manage the coolant flow into the
radiator and keep the engine temperature within a desirable range. There are several components inside
the thermostat, including the rod, wax pallet, spring, rubber diaphragm, valve and case assembly, and a
chamber filled with wax and a rod pressed against it.

The wax starts to melt as the coolant going through the thermostat reaches higher temperatures, typically
180 Fahrenheit. The wax expands thermally as a result of melting, pushing the rod and enabling the
coolant to flow outside.

When the coolant runs through the thermostat, a thermostatic switch turns on the fan. Through the upper
radiator hose, coolant that has passed the thermostat valve reaches the radiator upper tank. Due to the
possibility of a buildup of high pressure that might prevent coolant from entering the upper tank due to
the high temperature of the coolant, the upper tank is equipped with a pressure regulating valve that
opens when the system pressure exceeds the normal value. High pressure coolant may flow into the
coolant overflow tank when the valve is opened.

The coolant releases its stored heat to the air moving through the gaps between the flat tubes as it flows
downhill. The heat transfer rate is then further improved for a better cooling effect by adding fins to the
flat tubes, which increase the airflow and, in turn, the rate at which heat is transferred. The coolant's
temperature significantly drops as it reaches the radiator's bottom tank. The engine cylinder is circled by
the cold coolant once again, and the cycle is then repeated.