While going on a long drive with your family, the most common thing everyone does is a proper car checkup. From fueling to engine check, everything is taken into consideration. But, one thing which might remain uncheck is car radiator. Filling it with coolant and water isn’t everything because there are still few things to consider.
A car radiator plays an important role in keeping the engine cool, enhance mileage, and to give a great performance. If you are not paying attention to the car radiator, then it might be a bad sign because if you have to replace the radiator, it can cost a significant amount. Most experts suggest not spending money on gimmicky coolants.
They suggest going through vital aspects to avoid facing any issue with the performance. Due to such concerns, here we made a list of five easy to follow tips that can help to maintain your car radiator.
Apart from that, we are also covering the essential factors such as material for heat exchange and more. Let’s begin by learning –
1. Check the low coolant level
Ethylene glycol is a fluid that flows around the engine with the help of a radiator to keep it cool. This fluid is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol. This antifreeze fluid helps the water not to freeze in icy temperatures. On the other hand, it is also significant for high-temperature places like UAE.
One of the main reasons why the vehicle is overheating is the low coolant level, which can be caused by many reasons like outflow through the head gasket. If you want good care of the radiator, you can check it every month and fill it to the top with water. Another thing is that you can change the coolant in every yearly service if the radiator is in bad shape.
These steps can easily increase the life of the radiator, as it will heat less when there is proper fluid running around the engine.While choosing coolants, you can consider buying guides online, which will assist you with the quality, usability, and other factors that you should be considered during the purchase to avoid facing any problem.
They can also help you figure out the right coolant based on the radiator material and type of cooling.
2. Clogging in the radiator
Clogging in the radiator can happen over time due to the dirt, small stones, or dead insects. Clogging by these things can easily heat the radiator. If you are facing this kind of problem, then don’t panic, check if the debris is outside by opening the bonnet. If the dirt is not visible, it might be under the radiator, which can also damage the water pump.
For checking under the radiator, you have to wait till the car is cool. You can also use an infrared thermostat. After that, you can remove the cap and check if anything is floating inside the radiator. Keep in mind to check the color of the water inside the radiator, which will help you to know that everything is clean. Leaking of coolant can be a big sign that the radiator needs to be repaired for this you can use car radiator stop leaks. The other sign can be high-temperature readings.
The close is easy to clean as if you prefer professional tools, but if you are finding floating inspect in water, then you can remove on your own. The best option in such cases is to take your car to a mechanic shop. Choose professionals who know the right way to fix the radiator, and then you can get great performance after cleaning it.
3. Materials for heat exchange
In old cars, the radiator that the companies used are made of copper and brass, which heats up easily. Replacing them in modern times, now the radiators are made of aluminum cores with plastic tanks are. The main reason behind this material is that the aluminum transfers heat more commonly than other metal which helps it cool faster and safer than other metals.
If you are using an old car with the radiator that is made of copper and brass, there are more chances that you are having this heat up problems in long rides. The main reason why aluminum radiators are better than the copper one is that it is made of the solo metal furnace without any cloistering solder. There is a negligible amount of contamination.
If the copper radiator is made just like aluminum, it would be better but overweight. It doesn’t matter that if you are going with aluminum or copper, you have to know about the right way to get rid of heat-related issues. Apparently, harnessing essential details about the material and its trait will land a hand in better performance.
4. Check the radiator cap
The most important thing that you have to keep in mind that you should always double-check the tightness of the radiator cap while putting it back on. The shape of the radiator cap is typically round. You just have to look for the right place where it will go and screw it there.
The malfunctioning of the radiator cap can easily cause overheating problems, and also, on the other hand, it will cause an outflow of coolant. Cap is also helpful for maintaining the right water pressure. If there is any chance that it doesn’t fit correctly, then the pressure of the radiator will surely be compromised.
Sometimes the radiator cap isn’t providing the perfect seal, and it is important that you replace it as if you are finding any problem with the same. In case the radiator cap is missing as it might have fallen somewhere, always consider replacing the old one with a genuine radiator cap.
Do not consider using third party manufacturers for radiator cap because a poor-fitting can still cause issues, and the radiator might get stuffed with dirt.
5. Thermostatic radiator valve
You can say that it is the key component in the radiator. It is also known as TRV, which regulates the flow of coolant and water inside the radiator, which depends on the settings. If the thermostat struck or closed, the hot water inside the radiator would not be able to come back to be cooled, which can damage the radiator and give out excessive heat.
While giving your vehicle for service, always ask for a proper radiator check. This will help you to know the condition and how it will be until the next service. A radiator can last long in the car for many years if there is proper care. You can also check the level of water from time to time.
Meanwhile, the car radiator is sturdy and build to last long; you still have to worry about a few things. Mechanics consider checking radiators, but they don’t go deep into the problem, and if you ask them to have a look at the radiator, then they will check it completely. On the other hand, they can figure out issues in an easier manner also.
Bonus Tip – Before going to a mechanic to resolve issues related to a car radiator, it would be better to do some search and finding the right person. There are versatile mechanics, but considering a radiator fixing professional can resolve all the problems in an effective manner, and they can also help by providing key details so that you don’t face similar troubles again.
Conclusion
Considering all the important factors and following a proper examination schedule once a week can help you avoid major issues. Addressing issues at an early stage helps to get a fix at affordable cost and to save your money. As if you started driving cars a couple of years ago, then you may be well-learned about the controls and all the indicators in your car.
You can keep checking all the important things, and if you find anything unusual, you can figure out the problem by consulting with a mechanic on call. If the problem seems not usual, then try going for an instant fix. Car radiators are sturdy, and they never cause any problem most of the time. But if you don’t consider a proper checkup, then chances of facing issues increase.
We hope that this post about radiator maintenance will assist you have a great car driving experience and one last thing, always drive safe.