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ASVAB · Vehicle Systems

What does the cooling system (radiator and coolant) do in a vehicle?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Removes excess heat from the engine to prevent overheating

  1. A Removes excess heat from the engine to prevent overheating
  2. B Lubricates the engine
  3. C Provides fuel to the engine
  4. D Generates electricity

Why this is the answer

The COOLING SYSTEM removes excess HEAT from the engine to prevent OVERHEATING. ASVAB Auto Information tests the cooling system. COOLANT (antifreeze mixed with water) circulates through the engine, absorbing heat, then flows to the RADIATOR where airflow cools it; the WATER PUMP circulates the coolant, and the THERMOSTAT regulates temperature. Overheating can cause severe engine damage. Knowing the cooling system's job (removing heat to prevent overheating) and its main components (radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat) is commonly tested.
Source: ASVAB Auto Information — Cooling System

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Vehicle Systems and other topics.

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About this topic: Vehicle Systems

Vehicle systems questions ask how the major subsystems work together — fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, electrical, exhaust and drivetrain — and what symptom points to which system. You do not need mechanic-level depth, just the function of each part and the common failure signs. This is one of 9 Auto Information questions on vehicle systems, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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