The most common radiator problems

Radiators are typically mounted so that they receive airflow from the front of the car as it drives forward. Few cars have engines mounted in the middle or rear, it is normal to mount a radiator behind a front grill to achieve the required airflow, although this necessitates long coolant pipes. Air can also enter the radiator through the flow over the top of the vehicle or through the side-mounted grills.

Car radiators are made up of two metal or plastic header tanks connected by a center with many restricted ways, resulting in a high surface area to volume ratio. This center is typically made of stacked layers of metal sheets that have been welded or brazed together after being squeezed to form channels.

When there is a complication like steam escaping out from your car’s bonnet the suspect goes to the radiator not being able to function properly, whereas it becomes difficult to notice actual faults when the radiator shows signs as they are not very prevalent.

The radiator transfers heat from the fluid inside to the air outside, thereby cooling the fluid and, by extension, the engine. Car radiators are also used to cool transmission fluids, air conditioning system refrigerant, intake, air, and on rare occasions, engine oil and power steering fluids, and other auto components.

Few most common car radiator issues

 

•          Idling overheating

The main purpose of a car radiator is to save other car parts from overheating. An overheated radiator or engine is a common side effect of any cooling system issue. It is one of the worst problems as it can bother other crucial components or spare parts and may even stall the vehicle.

The radiator overheating can happen due to problems persisting from a drop in coolant levels, breaking or damage to the thermostat, or blockage in the radiator hose for all this a failed radiator fan might be the culprit. When this fan fails, inactive overheating is a common issue. Unfortunately, the only way to resolve this issue is to replace the fan or thermo switch namely the Uno Minda TD-1042 thermo switch.

 

•          Leakage minor/ major

The most evident sign of a radiator problem can be detected if there are leaks in the car systems or radiator leaks. These issues can arise from the hoses which are responsible for circulating coolant from the radiator to engine spare parts. The constant flow of coolant from your radiator to your hot, running engine and back creates immense pressure, which after a constant strain will be destroyed and there is no way that these hoses will speak for themselves to you warning about the situation and the danger ahead.

It is recommended that you have your hoses checked by a mechanic after you have completed your regular car service.

 

•          Rusting /corroded radiator

The entire cooling system in the car is made up of metal, which is high quality and suitable to sustain the environment of a car’s engine. Oxidation and rust are unavoidable when air, metal, and liquid come together.  Each of these components can be found in your radiator, indicating that rust is a major and real threat. If the radiator becomes overly rusted, it may develop holes and leaks or it may even completely fall or fail.

The best-advised solution is to have your car garage flush your coolant as part of your yearly full service.

 

•          Radiator fan malfunctioning

The cooling fan is a part of the radiator which is mounted on the top. The function of the fan Is to pull air and provide external cooling to parts where coolant might not reach. If the fan stops functioning there might be some serious issues.

Reasons for the fans to stop working can be motor burning, motor-fan circuit failure, and more. All of this accounts for engine spare parts getting heated more than ever as there isn’t an alternative cooling system on offer.

 

Wrap

The radiator is as important in a car as any other part. A major setback develops when the cooling system of the car fails, and we do not want that. That’s the reason why acknowledging the signs of fault and problems in the radiator is important.