Why Does the Car's Cooling Fan Keep Running?
2 Answers
Car's cooling fan keeps running due to faults in the fan assembly, wiring issues, or excessively high water temperature. Below is an introduction to the car radiator and its working principle: Car Radiator: Also known as the heat exchanger, it is a key component in the car's cooling system. Its function is to dissipate heat. The coolant absorbs heat in the water jacket, flows to the radiator to release the heat, and then returns to the water jacket to circulate, achieving temperature regulation. It is an integral part of the car engine. Working Principle: The radiator is a crucial part of a water-cooled engine. As an essential component of the engine's cooling circuit, it absorbs heat from the engine block to prevent overheating. Due to water's high specific heat capacity, the temperature rise after absorbing the engine block's heat is not significant. Thus, the engine's heat is transferred through the liquid coolant circuit, using water as the heat carrier. The heat is then dissipated via large-area cooling fins through convection, maintaining the engine's optimal operating temperature.
Let me tell you about the issue of the cooling fan running continuously. As an experienced driver with many years behind the wheel, I've encountered this several times, and the cause is usually a faulty temperature sensor. The fan normally kicks in to cool down when the engine gets hot, but if the sensor malfunctions, the computer mistakenly thinks the car is still overheating and keeps commanding the fan to run. Another common culprit is a faulty relay, which controls the fan's operation—once it gets stuck, it can't shut off. It's also important to check for insufficient or leaking coolant, as a clogged cooling system can make the fan work in vain, not only draining the battery but also accelerating its wear. My advice is not to delay—check the fluid levels and wiring connectors immediately. A fan running for too long can easily lead to engine overheating issues, and repair costs will skyrocket. I've found that timely visits to the repair shop can save a lot of trouble. Regular radiator cleaning during maintenance can prevent such problems.
