Automotive Radiator Preventative Maintenance saves you dollars, time and inconvenience. Best you read on!
Understand the radiator has a limited life span and is the most important item in maintaining an efficient cooling system and prevents an overheating motor.
Don’t push your luck! – It is false economy to put off replacing your radiator. New radiators are relatively inexpensive providing a full life expectancy where as repairing can be more expensive and it still remains part used. If in doubt as a preventative maintenance option spend the $300 to $500 on a radiator replacement rather than the alternative of $2,000 to $20,000 on a major mechanical blow up just by waiting too long.
Radiators just will not go forever.
Operating in a dusty environment, living by the sea or using an inferior coolant all hastens an early radiator failure.
At five years of age or 150,000km you must suspect problems in the near future although some of the better quality vehicle will produce a little longer service. It is very wise to use a professional radiator expert to check your radiator and your whole cooling system once you reach these mile stones. Your locally true professional radiator expert Ian Upton of Noosa Radiators is willing to help.
You never know when your radiator will fail, it can look like new one day and cracked the next!
Cooling System Radiator Operation.
The radiator is the primary source of the cooling system in your vehicle. It is asked to operate in temperatures of below zero and well above 50 degrees centigrade, in salt air, in dust and with insect plagues.
In these extreme conditions you need to protect and keep clean the radiator finned tubes of the radiator to allow the heat to radiate away from the radiator hence the cooling system. To clear the external debris be careful as the radiator core can easily be damaged or punctured.
Automotive radiator preventative maintenance | do it the right way…
From the time of your first service have your professional motor mechanic always check out your radiator and complete cooling systems to save you on potential failures, overheating or excessive use of fuel.
Should you have a cooling system problem best you seek your mechanics advice or better still go to a radiator specialist.
1. Important checks for you to watch for
1.1 Leaks at home.
Leaks whether from the cooling system or any other point – report it to your mechanic! In many cases you may know before your mechanic can see with those telltale leak deposits on your garage floor.
1.2 Dashboard gauges or warning lights.
Warning lights should never be ignored as they are there to protect your life and your pocket.
2. Keep your radiator clean for efficient operation making leaks more visible
2.1 Outside
Ensure the outside of your radiator is clear of debris such as leaves, mud and insects that clog the core. If you have air conditioning a small thin radiator (air conditioner condenser) is fitted in front of the radiator. Ensure there is no build up of debris between the two.
To clear wash the radiator with water from the engine bay to the outside. With stubborn debris removal it may be necessary to use a degreaser.
2.2 Inside
All radiators and cooling systems must use a quality coolant to help limit boiling and freezing also reduce corrosion and to lubricate your total cooling system.
Over time coolants break down and should be flushed out and replaced in a cool motor.
Never mix coolants as most are not compatible with one another.
3. Additional cooling system checks.
3.1. Radiator cap
Is it in good condition or showing signs of leaking. If replacing the radiator cap make sure you only fit the recommended size and pressure setting.
3.2 Belts.
Have they the right tension. If worn or damaged replace them.
3.3 Hoses.
Check for leaks, clamp tension and replace aged hoses.
3.4 Radiator Fan.
Is it operating as it was designed. Check electrics and clutch operation. Ensure there are no restrictions to air flow.
3.5 Thermostats
The thermostat valve keeps the engine at the optimum operating temperature. A thermostat failure will allow the cooling system to quickly over heat.
3.6 Water pump.
The water pump is not unlike your heart. Its the pump that circulates the coolant. If it becomes inefficient or fails overheating becomes immediate. Leaking seals are a sign of trouble.
Your Radiator Specialist can help.
Ask your radiator specialist to pressure test your cooling system for leaks.
With specialist knowledge and experience they can diagnose the problem and advise what actions are necessary.
Summarising Automotive Radiator Preventative Maintenance…
Don’t push your luck! – It is false economy to put off replacing your radiator. New radiators are relatively inexpensive providing a full life expectancy where as repairing can be more expensive and it still remains part used. If in doubt as a preventative maintenance option spend the $300 to $500 on a radiator replacement rather than the alternative of $2,000 to $20,000 on a major mechanical blow up just by waiting too long.
Understand the radiator has a limited life span and automotive radiator preventative maintenance saves you dollars, time and inconvenience.
Save yourself a major expense by replacing your radiator when it has completed its useful life. By waiting too long there is a good change you will blow up your engine.
I agree with the point you make about putting off fixing a broken radiator being a false economy. Like you mentioned, a new radiator is inexpensive when you look at how long it’ll last you. I learned this lesson the hard way and I will always be quick to replace my radiator if it’s broken.
Jorge Thanks for your comment. In my blogs I try to educate my customers and the public on what is best for them. Ian
Wow, I had no idea that so many things related to the radiator would need to be checked. Honestly, I wouldn’t even know how to see if my belts all have the right amount of tension. In my opinion, it is much better to leave that stuff to a professional. That way, I don’t have to worry about doing something wrong.