What Does a Radiator Do?
There are dozens of moving parts under the hood, and they all need to work together to keep your car running. As they do, they burn fuel and create friction — which generates heat. A lot of heat.
To prevent significant damage, your cooling system kicks in to divert the heat away from the engine. The radiator stores coolant and water; when the thermostat senses that your engine is too hot, it releases those fluids. Then they can transfer heat back to the radiator.
Here, the large surface area is enough to cool the fluid, and the radiator gets some help from fans and vents. When the coolant is cool enough, it can be recirculated through the engine.
Now, when a radiator malfunctions — whether because of leaks, holes, warped components, build-up, etc. — it can cause your vehicle to overheat. When this happens, other parts are impacted. A bad radiator can cause:
- Seized pistons.
- Overworked thermostat.
- Water pump damage.
- Heater core breakage.
- Hose damage.
Bottom line: your radiator keeps your vehicle running smoothly. When it goes bad, it can take a variety of other parts with it. And you’ll be spending more time and money with your mechanic than you ever wanted to.
Protecting it is essential. How?
5 Steps to Keep Your Radiator In Top Shape
Some simple steps can help you avoid a breakdown and costly repair bill:
- Check your coolant. Wait until your engine is cold and check the overflow tank. If you need fluid, add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water.
- Don’t forget about winter! When we think of engines overheating, warm weather pops to mind — especially our long, hot, humid summers! But your radiator works hard all year long. You need the right ratio of coolant/antifreeze to water. Frozen coolant can’t circulate properly, and once the water freezes and expands, it can crack your engine.
- Replace your coolant/antifreeze. How often? This depends on your make/model. Check your manufacturers’ recommendations or ask Retro Lube for advice. Flushing the radiator can help prevent the accumulation of rust and flush debris from the cooling system.
- Check for leaks. Pop the hood and see if you can spot any leaks. They can cause rust to form on other engine components. If you do observe excess moisture, get your vehicle checked out to ensure a small problem doesn’t become a big (expensive) one.
- Make an appointment at Retro Lube. Give us a call. Preventative maintenance can ensure you’re not stuck waiting for a tow on the side of the road.
In a Bind? What To Do When You Overheat
Imagine yourself back in that stop-and-go traffic and ferocious heat. Your car starts to overheat. What do you do?
- Carry extra coolant. Stow an extra bottle in your trunk, along with a gallon of water.
- If you must drive to reach a safe location … turn off the AC. This strains the engine.
- ...And crank the heat. It seems like the last thing you want to do — particularly if it’s a scorcher of a day. But it diverts heat away from the engine.
- Pull over. When safe, pull over onto the side of the road and wait for your vehicle to cool down. Pop the hood from inside your car, but don’t open it yet. Ouch! It can take 20-30 minutes for the engine to cool sufficiently. Put your safety first.
- Check your coolant reservoir. If low, add fluid. If it’s full, call for a tow. You may have mechanical/electrical issues.
- Check for leaks. If you notice drips/puddles under your vehicle, your coolant tank may have a leak. In this case, you could add coolant to the radiator itself. Be careful. Use a rag to protect your hand when opening the cap.
Do not add fluid if the radiator is still hot. This can crack your engine block. Best is a cold radiator. If you absolutely must add fluid, let the radiator cool to warm, turn on your engine, and put it in neutral or park. Then, slowly add fluid.
We cannot stress the need for caution strongly enough. To avoid hurting yourself or causing significant damage to your car, we recommend calling for a tow rather than attempting to put fluid in a warm/hot radiator. If your coolant is leaking, get help.
Our experienced mechanics will give your cooling system a thorough going-over. Services include checking for leaks, draining and flushing the system, and refilling it with fresh coolant at the right ratio. Take care of your radiator so it takes care of you.