Posted: 07/05/2022
Every vehicle with a standard gasoline-powered engine only runs as well as that engine does. Along with creating the kinetic energy that powers the drivetrain, every vehicle also produces a lot of heat. It's one of those inescapable byproducts of the process of making a vehicle move. Every vehicle that generates heat needs a functioning radiator to manage that heat. There are ways you can tell whether your radiator is working properly, and things you can do when it isn't.
A radiator is a component of your vehicle's cooling system. The radiator is what helps to ensure that your engine does not overheat. It does this by transferring the heat from the engine coolant to the air passing through the radiator fins.
The radiator is made up of:
- A radiator core, which contains the coolant channels
- A radiator cap, which helps to maintain the correct pressure in the radiator
- A radiator hose, which carries the coolant from the engine to the radiator
- A thermostat, which controls the flow of coolant through the radiator
The radiator's job is to keep the engine coolant at the correct temperature. The engine produces a lot of heat when it is running, and that heat can damage the engine if it is not properly managed. The radiator helps to manage that heat by transferring it away from the engine coolant and into the air passing through the radiator fins.
The radiator does this by circulating the engine coolant through the radiator core. The radiator core is made up of a series of channels that the coolant flows through. As the coolant flows through the radiator core, the heat from the coolant is transferred to the air passing through the radiator fins.
There are a few different signs that can indicate that your radiator is not working properly. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your radiator checked by a professional technician as soon as possible.
One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your radiator is if the engine starts to overheat. If the radiator is not able to effectively transfer the heat away from the engine coolant, then the engine coolant will start to overheat. This can lead to engine damage if it is not addressed quickly.
Another sign that your radiator may be failing is if you notice any leaks. The radiator contains a lot of fluid, and if that fluid starts to leak, it can cause the radiator to overheat. A radiator leak can also lead to engine damage if it is not addressed quickly.
If you notice that there is coolant in your oil, that is another sign that your radiator may be failing. When the radiator leaks, the coolant can mix with the oil and cause engine damage.
If you notice that the radiator is not holding pressure, that is another sign that it may be failing. The radiator cap helps to maintain the correct pressure in the radiator, and if the radiator is not holding pressure, it can lead to radiator leaks and engine damage.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your radiator checked by a professional technician as soon as possible. Engine damage can be expensive to repair, and it is important to catch radiator problems before they cause engine damage.
Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have auto parts stores all over the midwest. Order auto parts online and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply or Auto Value parts store.
