The radiator of your car is probably one of those parts you don’t pay any heed to, unless it starts creating a problem. A car’s cooling system comprises many crucial components including the radiator, thermostat and water pump. If the cooling system goes kaput, the extremely high temperatures of your running engine will cause the car to overheat and likely fail. Your engine runs at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit and without something cooling it down, it can prove to be very hazardous for everything that is under the hood.
It is vital to know what some of the more common radiator problems are, how to fix and avoid them.
Leaks
Leaky hoses is one of the most renowned problems but if there’s a leak in the radiator itself, it can be a bigger problem. The pressure that gets built up from the coolant will eventually prove to be a doom for your radiator hoses. If you smell something sweet or if you see green fluid under your car, chances are that your radiator is leaking.
Solution: As part of the standard maintenance, replace your radiator hoses regularly.
Rusty Radiator
When you combine metal, liquid and air, rusting is bound to happen. Your radiator can end up with holes and leak or otherwise malfunction if it gets too rusted. If your car is running hot, your radiator might be rusty. You should be especially vigilant for rust if you operate your car in cold weather climates.
Solution: Every 20-30k miles, do a coolant flush.
Gunk and Other Obstructions
Gunk is a thick, unsightly, goopy substance that seems to exist solely to clog things up. Gunk makes it harder for the radiator to flow the proper amount of coolant to the engine.
Solution: A good coolant flusher can solve this problem as well.
Bad Thermostat Or Water Pump
Thermostat also forms a crucial part of the entire cooling system and if it goes down, the system will not know when to release fluid into the radiator. On the other hand, if the water pump fails, the system will not have the pressure necessary to circulate the coolant.
Solution: Replace the faulty thermostat or water pump.
Overheating When Idle
Any problem with the cooling system will result in an overheated radiator or engine. If the temperature gauge spikes even when you’re idling, a common culprit is a failed radiator fan.
Solution: Unfortunately, this time too, replacement is the only solution.
So, if you need help with radiator issues, get in touch with us at Tire Zone. We service several areas near Fort Worth, TX. Call us now!