Understanding and Maintaining the Cooling System on Your Peugeot 206

When operating efficiently, the cooling system in your Peugeot 206 can be your best friend. When it needs repairs, it can be your worst enemy. The cooling system is a critical part of your car. It circulates coolant throughout the engine, picks up any heat it finds, and pushes that heat into the radiator so it can be cooled. It's what keeps your engine cool; without it, your engine would overheat.

While the average driver may not know a lot about their car's cooling system, having a bit of information under your belt can save you money and help you ensure your Peugeot lasts for as long as possible.

In order to better understand your cooling system, you need to understand that it consists of three different, but important Peugeot parts.

Part 1: Pumping

When it comes to your cooling system, the first main part, pumping, is the job of the water pump. This pump keeps the coolant constantly moving. The water pump is driven by the timing belt, also known as the cam belt. This belt is a part of the internal combustion engine and is responsible for synchronising the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft so that the valves in the engine open and close when they need to.

To keep the cooling system's pumping maintained, you'll need to perform scheduled coolant replacements and check fluids often. You'll also need to keep a close eye on the timing belt and its tension adjustment. If you notice that the belt is becoming loose, has cracks in it, or has a glossy look, you'll need to replace it. It is advisable to replace other Peugeot parts, like the water pump and the tensioner, at the same time you replace the timing belt.

Part 2: Piping

The second main part of the cooling system is the piping, including hoses, the heater core, the expansion tank, the radiator, and any control valves. Each of these Peugeot parts stays in constant contact with coolant, making them susceptible to deterioration, so you'll need to check them often.

Hoses that are part of the cooling system should be evaluated at least two times each year for evidence of leakage, flexibility, cracks, and abrasions. They should be regularly replaced every four years as well, regardless of whether they show signs of leaking coolant.

Other areas of the cooling system piping, like the heater cores, control valves, radiators, and expansion tanks are a bit harder to diagnose, and generally only replaced if plugging or leaking is suspected. For this reason it is important to consult a professional to ensure these car parts are functioning properly.

Part 3: Temperature Controls

The temperature controls for the cooling system of your Peugeot 206 consist of the cooling fans, thermostat, coolant temperature sensors, expansion tank cap, and fan clutch. These Peugeot parts function independently from the engine, but are still responsible for controlling the engine in two ways: either by sending control signals to the electronic systems in the car or by cooling the engine.

• Thermostat- This is a spring-loaded valve that, based on the temperature of the car's coolant, opens or closes. The most common sign that a thermostat is malfunctioning is when the temperature of the coolant runs high and then suddenly drops below normal.
  

• Expansion Tank Cap- This is also a spring-loaded valve, but instead of reacting to the temperature of the coolant, it react to the pressure of the system. The pressures of the cooling system are pre-determined, and this valve's purpose is to maintain that correct pressure. When replacing these car parts, it is essential to always use a tank cap that has the same pressure setting at the stock cap to ensure the cooling system always operates the way it should.
  

• Fan Clutch- The fan that pulls air through the radiator is controlled by a fan clutch. This clutch allows the fan to turn when the engine is cold or just starting to heat up, and allows it to 'free wheel,' or spin at higher speeds without much force, when the engine is hot and the car reaches higher speeds. If you notice that your Peugeot is overheating when you're sitting in traffic, overheating on the motorway, or your fuel mileage has been reduced dramatically, the cause could be a faulty fan clutch.
  

Temperature control is a critical part of how your car functions. It not only ensures performance, but it also reduces your car's emissions. Unfortunately, diagnosing problems with temperature control parts can be tricky without the proper diagnostic tools and equipment, especially when your Peugeot's computer system may adjust idle speed, fuel delivery, vacuum, and timing to compensate for faulty sensors. The best way for drivers to ensure a trouble-free time on the road is to check and replace all parts according to the information provided in their vehicle's manual.

Important Things to Remember About the Cooling System

Now that you have a little better understanding about how your cooling system works and what car parts are included in it, here are a few tips to ensure it won't let you down.

• When you replace the thermostat, make sure to replace it at the original temperature setting. Your Peugeot's electronics will use this original setting to control other areas of your car, so it's important to avoid substitutes.

• Watch the temperature gauge on your car closely. It will often be the first thing to let you know when the fan clutch needs replaced.

• Never miss a scheduled maintenance appointment with your local garage. The way you maintain your cooling system will effect the idle speed, timing, and other systems. If all of these systems aren't functioning well together, your engine could be affected.

• Take the time to clean the engine and engine compartment of your Peugeot 206. Clean engines operate at a cooler temperature, and they are much easier to work on as well.

The average driver may not know a lot about the cooling system located beneath the bonnet of their Peugeot 206, but taking the time to learn even just a little bit is important. By understanding how the system works, and which car parts are involved, you can better understand how to properly maintain this system and ensure your vehicle functions the way it should.