On more than one occasion you might have seen a vehicle parked on the side of the road with loads of smoke exiting from the hood when you witness such a visual, you should know at once that it’s a problem regarding the cars radiator. It is a key component in the vehicles cooling system and not one that we should simply just ignore until it poses a problem. Its key role in a vehicle is to ensure that the high heat fluid which exits the engine is sufficiently cooled before re-entering the system again. It is always advisable to improve your knowledge about some of the most common issues experienced with radiators and the repairs necessary to address them, as every vehicle owner is likely to face one such issue over the vehicles lifespan.
One of the most common system repairs is a failed thermostat. It is a small device located between the radiator and engine which is tasked with the primary function of regulating the flow of coolant to and from the radiator once it senses that the engine is warm. One can even say that the thermostat can assistant in reducing the wear of your engine, fuel emissions and the build up of deposits. Experiencing thermostat failure simply means that the valve opening which allows fluid to flow through will remain closed. This will in turn reduce the amount of fluid flowing through the engine and lead to overheating. Such a problem can lead to a considerable amount of damage if the thermostat is not replaced in a timely fashion. Thermostat replacement is fairly easy and of limited cost.
With numerous parts and systems contributing to the overall running of your vehicle, one must always be aware of the best companies which will conduct a thorough check and radiator refurbishment for your vehicle at the best possible prices. Leaking hoses are one such problem that plagues motorists. The engine and radiator is not physically connected to each other and is entirely dependent on the use of a radiator hoses for the transfer of fluid as it acts as a bridge between the two. The fundamental problem with hoses is that it is highly susceptible to the effects of wear and is likely to develop cracks, brittleness and degrade. The clamps which connect the hoses to either end also corrode over time and loses its integrity, therefore a total replacement must be done on the hoses and fittings.
A leak in the actual radiator is less common than one might think but it is not something that we should just forget about. As suggested by the name, the radiator radiates the heat that is in the engines coolant and dissipates it from the coolant. The major cause of leaks in a radiator is due to corrosion. A vast majority of the components are made of metal and a lack of proper care, incorrect engine coolant and no periodic reconditioning of the radiator will result in such a situation. If oxidation occurs, rust is formed and the integrity of the radiator is immediately compromised. Determining the precise location of the leak with require a mechanic to remove the entire radiator and submerge it in water along with the introduction of compressed air through the inlets. The area with the leak will be identified by the presence of bubbles. An alternate method would be to let the engine run until steam presents itself which will most likely occur from the leak site. Fixing a leaking radiator can prove to be tricky as the problem will first have to isolated and assessed to see if it can be repaired. Fortunately at Silverton Radiators we have experienced professionals and experts who will guide you with your radiator repairs and radiator restoration.
Another common reason for radiator reconditioning is the failure of the vehicles radiator fan. It is an additional device that extracts air through the cars radiator in an attempt to keep the car consistently cool when at an idle or at a lower speed. Its key function is to help draw out the heat from the radiator so that it will dispel faster into the environment. In most cases, electric faults in the fans connection can be responsible for the fan failure. A qualified mechanic or automotive technician can assess and help fix the fault and connection provided that the fan as a whole isn’t the issue, if so the entire fan will need to be replaced.
The radiator is the heart of the car and the most crucial component needed for the cooling system and for the vehicle to function. Having a good knowledge of the different elements and most common issues which require attention and repair will help prevent irreversible damage to your vehicle.