Auto service is critical, and without it, you can lose your car or put yourself in danger. Hi, my name is Pete, and after ignoring my brakes for too long, I was in an accident. I made it my goal to learn everything I could about the importance of car service. Regardless of how much or how little you know about cars, I hope that these blogs can help you. I plan to focus on a range of topics related to auto service and possibly some other ideas as well. This is my first blog, and I hope that you enjoy it. When I'm not writing, I work in a coffee shop during the day and part-time for a telemarketing company in the evenings. I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.
Overheating is a common problem that leads to costly car repairs. An overheating engine can leave you on the side of the road, not to mention the potential damage to the car engine. Overheating problems are often related to a faulty radiator.
The radiator's function is to dissipate the excess heat produced by the engine as it burns fuel. It cools the coolant, which absorbs heat from the engine, hence working as a part of the larger cooling system of the car. If your car begins to overheat often, it could have the following problems:
A faulty thermostat
The thermostat is a type of a temperature gauge that controls the amount of coolant that flows in and out of the radiator. It has a built-in sensor which opens and closes to let the coolant into the radiator for cooling to maintain normal engine temperature. When the thermostat is not working, the coolant will not be able to dissipate heat from the engine, causing it to overheat. If this happens, your check engine light will come on. A faulty thermostat should be repaired immediately to avoid permanent damage to the engine shafts.
Leaks in the radiator
A leaking radiator reduces the amount of coolant fluid, reducing its ability to cool the engine. The first sign of a leaking radiator is a puddle of green or reddish liquid forming beneath the engine when the car is not running. The radiator fluid is often slimy in texture. Liquids with a different colour often indicate other problems other than radiator leaks. A leaking radiator can be patched up; however, it is better to get a new one and avoid more repairs in the future.
Leaking radiator hoses
Radiator hoses facilitate the flow of the coolant into the radiator. If they are leaking, the amount of coolant will be reduced, and the radiator will not be able to cool the engine efficiently. This could result in engine overheating. Radiator hoses are bound to wear at some point; therefore, they should be replaced every once in a while even if there are no leaks.
Faulty radiator fan
Most cars use an electric fan that pulls air through the radiator to cool the coolant when the car is running idle or at low speeds. If your vehicle runs well at high speeds, but begins to heat up in traffic or when idle, it could have a faulty fan. The fan can be easily replaced to restore proper running of the engine.
Engine overheating problems that are associated with the radiator should be addressed promptly to prevent damage to car components. To avoid these problems, ensure your entire cooling system is regularly serviced and inspected by a radiator shop.
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