If you have spent any time on the forums or working on your cars cooling system, then you may have heard of the coolant bleeder housing and how important it is to bleed your cooling system before using it after you open the system. There are a number of ways to do this, but many manufacturers are making it easier now with the inclusion of the coolant bleeder.
What Does It Do?
The coolant bleeder has only one job, to get air out of your cooling system. See, what happens is whenever you open your cooling system you introduce air into the system. The problem with air is that pumps have a hard time drawing it in. An air bubble in your system can cause the water pump to stop drawing in the coolant which would stop it from circulating. Once the coolant is no longer circulating it is only a matter of time before the engine overheats and you likely blow a hose.
How Does It Work?
This will vary be the manufacturer, but in general, they work by using a small, one-way valve that will allow air to escape, but not gets back in. As the system circulates, it will force the air into the bleeder where it can be bled out and not cause any issues.
Do You have To Bleed Your System?
Yes, you do have to bleed your cooling system if your vehicle is made to use a bleeder. Many open systems, the type with a radiator cap, do not need bleeders, but closed loop systems, which have a pressurized holding tank, do have to be bled.
Your car’s coolant bleeder serves a very important purpose in maintaining your cooling system. If you are not able to bleed your system, then you are not going to get very far down the road before it overheats and leaves you stranded.
