Your car radiator does so much more than provide heat on cold days -- it's an essential part that keeps your vehicle functioning. The radiator prevents the engine becoming damaged by excessive heat. A fault in your radiator is a serious issue that could permanently damage the engine. Knowing when your radiator needs taking in for a repair, or when it's a job you can easily do at home, is key to a long-lasting car.
Cracks and leaks
Most modern radiators are made of plastic, which doesn't experience some of the issues, like rusting, which metal radiators do. However, plastic is prone to cracking over time as the radiator expands and contracts with heat. Plastic radiators will need changing about once every ten years due to this natural wear.
Regularly check that the coolant in the radiator is at the right level; if you notice that some appears to be leaking out, the radiator will need checking over as soon as possible. If there is not enough coolant in the radiator, the engine is in danger of overheating.
Check for rust
Metal radiators are more resilient than plastic, and they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, they are susceptible to rust, which can either be a superficial problem or a terminal one. If flecks of rust appear on the outside of your radiator, this should not affect its functioning. However, it's worth painting the radiator with a rust removal treatment. If rust eats through to the inside of the radiator, the whole thing will need replacing.
You'll know if you have rust on the inside of your car radiator by checking the colour of the coolant. If the liquid comes out with particles of debris, this is a symptom of internal rust.
Spotting a stuck thermostat
If you spot steam emerging from under the hood or notice unusually high consumption of fuel in colder weather, it may be a sign that your thermostat is stuck. To check for this problem, remove the radiator cap when the car is cool. Start the car and let it reach operating temperature. Looking into the radiator, it should be possible to see the coolant flowing. If there's no sign of movement, it means the thermostat will need replacing. Check with your mechanic -- with any luck, it's only the thermostat and not the whole radiator that will need fixing.
Visit a site like http://natrad.com.au for more information on radiator repairs.
Share8 July 2015
Hi, my name is Katy, and I love to go on long road trips. However, I also know how scary it is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere when your car needs a repair. Because of that, I have figured out which repairs are essential before you go on a long journey. If you are planning a long journey, please explore these posts, tips and ideas. I hope they help you hone on which repairs or services your automobile needs before your next journey. In this blog, I cover everything from services to packing lists and more. Enjoy and thanks for reading!
