A self-propelled road milling machine is equipped with a cooling system comprising a fan for drawing in air, a cooler, and a suction channel. The suction channel has a vent opening facing the cooler and an intake opening. In relation to the longitudinal axis of the road milling machine, the intake opening points to the side of the road milling machine, so that air is drawn in from the side. This results in significantly less dirt being sucked into the machine than when the suction channel is positioned in the direction of travel. In a preferred embodiment, the suction channel is formed in one piece with a liquid tank of the road milling machine. The liquid tank and suction system therefore form a modular unit, which can be easily installed on the chassis of the road milling machine.
