As your local repair shop, we know a lot about cars and we’re hoping to ensure that you know as much about keeping your car in good condition as we do. Your car has a lot of moving parts and as time goes on they all need maintenance in order to keep your car moving swiftly and safely. one of the most important parts of the engine of your car is its radiator and cooling system. In this article, we’ll be discussing signs that indicate that you may need to replace or repair your car’s radiator. A car’s radiator service is important.
First, you should know what your car radiator is and what it’s function is. Your car radiator keeps it cool and is the heart of the cooling system, so it should always be maintained to the best of its ability. Since the radiator is responsible for ensuring the right temperature of the engine is maintained in the car’s engine it should be repaired as efficiently as needed. Radiators are usually fashioned from aluminium and they carry a coolant that assists in cooling the car when radiators overheat, it can be dangerous for the car. Your normal car radiator temperature is between 180 to 200 degrees which are ideal for your car to operate. Your radiator is the unsung hero of the engine of your car and without it performing at maximum effort your car could be at risk.
Let’s look at different issues that your radiator might occur which can result in it being a concern and cause to get repaired:
Leaks: Extreme pressure buildup, the rubber hoses that connect your engine to the radiator will fail as time goes on. The clamps that hold them are susceptible to rust and that could cause them to loosen. If your car has a sticky, green or slightly sweet smelling fluid leaking or on the ground then this is a clear indication that your car radiator could be leaking. The leak can be caused due to the wear and tear of the pipes as well as the clamps.
Overheating: This is often the only sign people attribute to a radiator failure but it may not always be due to the radiator. It can be because of a bad water pump or a stuck thermostat however if it is your cars radiator overheating, this is usually indicated by the engines temperature gauge spiking, you need to pull over and check the coolant overflow tanks. There are many causes of overheating, they could be a low coolant level, a loose hose or a small leak but you should never drive with a hot engine as that is dangerous for both you and your car.
Rust: For those living in the usually sunny and coastal areas of KwaZulu Natal, you’re probably going to be searching for radiator repairs in Durban due to this. Rust happens when oxidation occurs and for those of us that live in more humid conditions, rust is not just visible on the outside but on the inside as well. If you notice a change in your coolant colour than this is a good indicator that your radiator needs to be repaired. Rust can cause smaller and then eventually larger holes in your radiator then longer it remains in use if it is rusted. If you are in harsher climates like snow or icy areas as well this may impact your vehicle more than other areas.
Clogged radiator: With mineral deposits being a known occurrence in radiators, we advise you to check on the status of your radiator regularly. Debris such as stones, dirt and insects can clog up your radiator and is a common cause of overheating in radiators.
Bad water pump: Your water pump is responsible for propelling engine coolant throughout the cooling system and if it is damaged due to leaks, erosion or rust then it may not operate correctly. It is an essential part of your car’s cooling system and needs immediate attention. It can be a low-cost repair if tended to in term. It’s irresponsible to allow the problem to linger and it could cost you much more in the long run if it is not repaired.
Other problems that could arise are bad thermostats, your thermostat is responsible for ensuring that the coolant is able to pass through the radiator when necessary and when it can no longer do that the radiator overheats, other symptoms of radiator failure include worn out fan belts and burst hoses.
There are some things you could do to ensure that your radiator is in its best shape as often as possible, a good tip is to flush your coolant around every 2-5 years depending on your manufacturer’s instructions or health of your car. you can also make a note to check the fans and hoses in your car’s radiator on a regular basis. If you do find a fault or an area you should have it repaired as soon as possible.
Another thing to be wary off is the cap of the radiator, this can cause overheating as well. It’s a common problem that is overlooked too often and often can cause the rest of the radiator to act up if not sorted out as soon as possible. The cap helps maintain the water pressure which is important. Thermostats that are stuck or broken can cause the hot water to be trapped in the radiator which also results in overheating.
It is important to note that you should never drive a vehicle that is overheating; you may notice steam coming from under the hood, the temperature gauge rising or excessive rust on or in the radiator and this should indicate to you that the radiator needs to be changed immediately or as soon as possible. If you continue to drive an overheating car you risk the chance of damaging the entire engine as well as if you pour cold water over the radiator, this causes quickly cooling that cools unevenly and may damage the engine by cracking it and this may result in the entire engine needing to be replaced.
We know repairing your car can be a tough decision to make, but we’re focused on making sure your car is a safe one. Neglecting the signs of a faulty radiator can prove fatal if not taken care off in the correct manner. If you’re looking for radiator repairs in Durban we at Silverton are always motivated to help drivers with assuring their peace of mind. we know the importance of having a safe and quality maintained car, we’re available to assist with any concerns you have regarding the status of the health of your car, one of our trained professionals will help ensure that you and your car are taken care of.