Just to understand more about your car, especially if you are a newbie:

The coolant, or anti-freeze, is the substance that not only prevents freezing but it also acts as a lubricant for your car’s water pump. The coolant is generally a mix of water and ethylene glycol. It must be changed on a regular basis, especially its PH level as it is important to keep your coolant from eating metal.

The water pump is the shaft in your car with a pully on one end and a pump rotor on the other it. What it does is that it moves the coolant from the radiator throughthe engine and then back to the radiator. The water pump is aided by the fan belt or the timing belt.

The thermostat is important in the cooling system as it controls the flow of the coolant through the engine. If the thermostat fails in an open position, your car’s engine may have bad gas mileage as it makes it run too cold. On the other hand, if the thermostat fails in a closed position, it will cause your engine to overheat as no coolant will be distributed to the engine.

The radiator is composed of thin channels where the coolant flows. Always keep your coolant in tiptop condition. Check your owner’s manual for this. The radiator cap should also hold the specified pressure. A failing cap can cause a loss of pressure or a leak.

Cooling the radiator are fans (sometimes, just one) fans. Sometimes, the radiator wouldn’t be able to get the heat off the coolant if your fan isn’t working. (FYI) The fan shuts off in high speed driving since the air running through the grille helps cool the radiator.

The coolant flows from the radiator to the water pump through runner hoses. Make sure to check these hoses for cracks as they do deteriorate in time.