Debunking the Myths of Your Car Radiator

The fact is that automobile manufacturers take a lot of factors into consideration, including weight, size, heat dissipation qualities, cost and durability. If you are replacing a defective unit then your best bet will always be original equipment (OE) or OE specification. If you are building a high performance vehicle, custom radiators should be considered. These are just a few of the myths debunked in the article; and there are most definitely a few more floating around. However, there are a few undeniable truths when it comes to radiators, and one of them is that you should always buy your auto radiator from a reliable supplier. Otherwise, you might end up with a unit that breaks down after a couple of years, and waste a lot of money in the process. Quality radiator units don't need to come at a huge cost or inconvenience to you. You just have to find trusted suppliers such as Radiator.com that have excellent customer service to help pair you with the exact radiator unit you n

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How to Buy a New Radiator

According J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study, reliability of small and compact cars are up 5% industry wide, meaning car owners are less likely to bump into trouble. Of course, advances in engine design and engineering have naturally made cars more resilient, which also means greater savings for drivers.

As with all machines though, your car will still encounter problems occasionally, and one of the most common ones are radiator issues. While leaky radiator hoses can be fixed easily enough, bigger problems like extensive cracks or clogged chambers often necessitates getting a new unit. With not enough coolant passing through the radiator, your car engine will quickly overheat, leading to even more damage.

However, buying a new radiator should be done carefully to get the most out of your money. First, make sure to find a reliable radiator shop that carries top-quality and warranted goods for a reasonable price. They should also offer expert installation so your new radiator won’t be damaged by mishandling.

In terms of material, aluminum is now the leading choice since it does not corrode like other metals. Also make sure that the tubing are wide but not too thick so the fan can easily disperse the heat. Speaking of the fan, electric ones are better than mechanical fans since they consume less power.

The radiator is one of the most important parts of your car so take your time when picking a replacement and keep these care tips in mind.

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Cool Radiator Technology: The Double-safe Radiator Cap

When a car radiator overheats or breaks down, one of the first things to do is check the coolant levels inside the system. However, as the coolant is under significant heat and pressure, you can't just remove the radiator cap and take a peek inside. The radiator cap is, in fact, designed to actually keep the cooling system under pressure, and if you remove it carelessly while the engine is still hot, you face the risk of getting scalded by a steaming geyser of boiling coolant. As CarCare News Service discusses in an article: Maintaining the anti-freeze coolant is an important aspect of a healthy cooling system. This involves one of the most basic components of the automobile, the radiator pressure cap. The cap keeps cooling system pressure at the recommended pressure rating for the car. Each pound of pressure exerted on the cooling system raises the boiling point of the coolant by 3 degrees at sea level.

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Tips to Remember When Removing and Replacing a Faulty Car Radiator

When your mechanic says you need a replacement car radiator, you might be inclined to purchase a used unit to save a few hundred dollars. If you decide to purchase one, be sure to check for rust and signs of corrosion on the interior. Additionally, look for stripped paint as this is a telltale sign of a leaky radiator. If all that seems like too much trouble, you might be better off purchasing a brand new radiator. Fortunately, new car radiators are not as expensive as they used to be. Many dealers, such as Radiator.com, offer high-quality replacement units for an affordable price. Some dealers even offer same-day delivery and installation services. If you are strictly on a tight budget, you might also want to try saving on labor fees by installing your new radiator yourself. All you need to do is bleed out the coolant from the existing radiator and unhook the component from the car.

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Frequent Overheating Means You Need to Look for New Radiators for Sale

If your coolant level is fine, check for any pinholes or large cracks on your radiator. Pinholes and cracks are normal in older radiators and can be repaired by an experienced mechanic. However, if your radiator has a plastic tank, you might want to start looking for replacement radiators for sale as repairing a plastic radiator is nothing more than a quick fix. When all else fails, it is best that you call a towing service to bring your car to an auto repair shop. Forcing your car to keep going after overheating can cause serious heat damage to the engine. To reduce the chances of your car overheating, be sure to have preventive maintenance done on your radiator at least every two years. Moreover, keep a bottle of spare coolant in your vehicle. You may also want to keep the contact details of a radiator dealer, such as Radiator.com, that has mint-condition auto radiators for sale just in case you need a new one to finally solve frequent overheating problems.

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Purchasing a New Radiator is better than Repairing

The problem is that large cracks only appear in old radiators unless you have had an accident. Having an old radiator means that even if you repair the crack, a new one is likely to form someplace else. It is best to replace a radiator with large or numerous cracks. Discontinued Model If you wake up one day and hear the model of your car has been discontinued, you should set aside time to look for brand new radiators for sale. Although many radiators have a service life of eight to 10 years, finding an appropriate replacement years after a car model has been discontinued can be difficult. It might be a wise decision to replace your radiator while dealers, such as Radiator.com, still have the necessary parts. If you properly maintain your radiator, the chances of these problems creeping up on you are slim. Always remember to have an experienced mechanic or auto repair service inspect your radiator every two years.

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Common Signs of Radiator Failure

When it comes to maintaining a car, many people typically do not give much thought to the radiator. However, the radiator is a vital component of any vehicle as it dissipates the intense heat the engine creates. Not properly taking care of it can easily lead to overheating issues and engine damage. As such, regularly maintaining your car radiator, whether by yourself or with the help of a professional mechanic, is a must. Sadly, even the best maintenance practices won’t keep your radiator in top form forever. It is almost certain that you will experience a problem with your radiator at least once. Although many issues with this component can be easily fixed at an auto repair shop, be careful when facing the following problems: Leaks A radiator leak shouldn’t be confused with a radiator hose leak. A leaking radiator indicates the presence of pinholes on the radiator’s body due to rust damage, a problem that is not so easily repaired.

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Keeping Cool: Managing Radiator Coolant Levels

It’s general knowledge that cars combust fuels in order to keep their engines running, yet most people take for granted that automobiles generate a lot of heat as a result. Too much heat in an engine can cause damage, warping parts of the assembly, and wearing down delicate components, such as gears and pistons. To keep cars running smoothly while controlling its heat levels, all vehicles possess a radiator designed to manage engine temperature.

Radiators work by pumping liquid coolant through pipes that run through the engine. In theory, the coolant absorbs the warmth like a heat sink, drawing it away from the assembly. The liquid is then pumped back into the radiator, where it is cooled and then pumped back into the engine in a cycle.

Due to this cyclical process, radiators are some of the busier parts of any automobile, and will require close maintenance as a result. The constant cooling and heating of coolants can eventually alter the chemical composition of the liquid over time, causing it to turn into a gummy substance that can clog and damage the engine. Motorists are advised to flush out and replace their coolants depending on the mileage restrictions of the liquid. This is to prevent costly radiator repairs and replacement.

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Preventing Radiator Problems

It’s easy to forget the condition of a car radiator because of so many car parts to deal with. However, the radiator is critical to your vehicle’s optimum operation and, thus, should never be ignored or taken for granted. Radiators get rid of the heat the engine generates. If they have a problem, the results will be very obvious, not to mention costly.

The laws of physics state that heat always moves toward the cold, and this same principle explains how radiators function. A car’s engine creates a tremendous amount of heat during its operation, and it is the radiator’s job to dissipate much of this heat. When the engine is on, coolant circulates through the engine block and absorbs the heat it generates. The coolant then circulates to the radiator where the absorbed heat is then transferred to the cooler surrounding air.

One major sign that you have a problem with your radiator—which may not be evident initially—is the loss of coolant. When the engine is cold, the level in the coolant reservoir shouldn’t drop below the minimum mark. If the coolant frequently goes below minimum even after you’ve recently topped it off, have your radiator—along with the rest of your vehicle’s cooling system—checked by a vehicle technician.

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Car Radiators and Their Functions

A radiator is an integral part of a vehicle’s cooling system. Its main function is to dissipate the heat from the coolant that flows through it so the coolant can, in turn, keep the engine’s temperature at optimum levels. Most modern radiators are made of aluminum, while some are made of copper.

Aluminum radiators are produced by brazing aluminum tubes to thin aluminum fins. Manufacturers ensure that their products are 100 percent aluminum to eliminate dissimilar metals and solder bloom problems that come with the copper variety. The majority of aluminum radiators use one-inch wide tubes. However, some manufacturers use 1.25-inch or 1.5-inch tubes to help dissipate the heat quicker.

Radiators usually have a water tank on each of their sides. Inside one of these tanks—usually on the right—is a transmission cooler. Think of a transmission cooler as a radiator within a radiator. The difference is that, instead of the coolant exchanging heat with the air, the transmission oil exchanges heat with the coolant in the radiator.

If you’re in the market for a new radiator, weight, appearance, innovation, and cost will need to be considered before you finalize your choice. Hopefully, the information above will help you choose the right radiator for your car.

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Hallmarks of a Good Online Radiator Shop

Many radiator suppliers have set up online shops in an attempt to reach a wider range of potential clients. Unfortunately, the sheer number of online stores can make it difficult for people to choose which online radiator shop to patronize.

If you are having difficulty choosing a store, try to choose one that offers the following:

Brand-Specific Radiators

The best radiator shops will always carry brand- and model-specific radiators instead of generic ones. They are also less likely to simply reshape a radiator to fit your vehicle. Brand-specific radiators are much more important if you are searching for a radiator for an older vehicle.

Lifetime Warranty

The biggest disadvantage of purchasing a radiator online is that you cannot be on-site to inspect the radiator yourself before purchasing it. This disadvantage is the reason why you should look for an online radiator shop that offers lifetime warranties.

Same-Day Delivery

Many online shops will tell you that they can have your new radiator delivered to you by the next day, but why wait so long? Some online radiator shops can deliver your new radiator on the same day you order it, allowing you to get back on the road that much faster.

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Reasons Why Your Radiator is Malfunctioning

An automobile cooling system is composed of several finely tuned machines. If a single component does not function properly, the entire system suffers. While overheating episodes are usually thought to be the fault of the radiator, other components can contribute to the failure of the radiator to properly disperse heat.

Failed Water Pump

Water pump failure is a common reason for radiator malfunction. The water pump is responsible for generating enough pressure to move the coolant-water-antifreeze mixture from the radiator, through the hose, to the engine, and back to the radiator. If the water pump fails, the heat generated by the engine will continue to build until the entire vehicle overheats.

Broken Thermostat

An automobile thermostat is responsible for controlling the amount of coolant-water-antifreeze mixture that enters and exits a radiator. When the thermostat fails, the amount of the mixture that flows into the radiator becomes insufficient to keep up with the heat the engine generates.

Various Obstructions

Various obstructions can impede the effectiveness of a radiator. If something gets caught between it and the fan, for example, the path of the air becomes obstructed. When that happens, the radiator runs out of air for transferring the accumulated heat. A blocked radiator hose also limits the flow of coolant-water-antifreeze, reducing the amount of heat the mixture removes from the engine.

To avoid these problems, be sure to have regular maintenance done on your cooling system.

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The Problems with Radiators in Older Vehicles

Though newer models and makes of cars are rolled out each year, this does not mean that older ones are simply disappearing off the face of the earth. In fact, there are a lot of old cars that are still running perfectly today due to proper maintenance. Their owners only face problems when searching for replacement parts when something does go awry. One part of older vehicles that could fall into serious disrepair is the radiator.

Corrosion

While the coolant circulating inside a radiator has anti-corrosive properties that prevent rusting, these could degrade through time especially if regular flushes are not performed. A severely corroded radiator interior can mean a trip to the radiator shop to get a replacement.

Damaged Pumps

Over the years, it is not impossible for your water pump to get broken and therefore compromise the overall cooling mechanism of your radiator. If this problem is not addressed immediately, it could mean more expensive repairs and replacements in the future.

Leaks, Broken Seams, and Brittle Hoses

No radiator, however well-constructed, can completely avoid damage. It is not unusual to see weakening and breaks in some parts, especially in seams and hoses.

Sometimes, a radiator is simply too old that it needs to be replaced as soon as possible if you want to continue driving your trusty vehicle. When the time comes for you to get a new one, do not hesitate to do so.

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Possible Signs of a Broken Radiator Pump

A broken radiator pump is one of the problems your cooling system might experience that could, in a bad scenario, eventually lead you to shop for a new car radiator. This is because a broken pump could lead to dangerous overheating. If you run it too long without addressing the problem, you could also be faced with significantly worse engine problems. Here are a few danger signs of a broken radiator pump:

Unusual Sounds

No one wants to hear the dreaded clunks, grinds, and squeaks that signify something wrong under the hood of the car. However, these sounds are exactly what you should watch out for because they could be signs of an overheating bearing and a failing water pump.

Unstable Temperature Levels

In some problematic radiators, temperature would shoot rapidly up into the red zone. However, with a broken water pump, you might simply observe an unusual fluctuation of temperature. Take note that temperature fluctuations can also signify other problems unrelated to the water pump.

Leaks and Drips

Pools of liquid under the area where the water pump is located can be taken as a sign of disrepair. When these appear, be sure to do a thorough check of the cooling system and the engine.

When a water pump goes bad, it may not be too long before you need to look at new car radiators from your chosen supplier. Just make sure that if this does happen, you know which companies you can trust.

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Simple Tips For Flushing Your Radiator

When getting your radiator replaced, it's important to look for a radiator shop that can provide you quality products and customer service without compromising your time. However, before you shop online for a new unit, you might want to check first if a radiator flush can fix your problems. This is easy enough to do yourself with a few simple tips:

Step back.

Never forget that radiators are extremely hot while the engine is running, and remain so immediately after the latter is turned off. It is, therefore, important to step back, wait a bit, and let the entire engine cool before even thinking of taking the cap off. Safety first!

Catch the coolant.

Speaking of safety, never let old coolant just drain into the ground or the sewers. Not only is this illegal in some places, it is also extremely dangerous because dogs and little children may accidentally ingest the coolant and get poisoned.

Do the math.

The ratio of coolant and water is important in order to set the balance between efficient cooling and the prevention of rusting and corrosion within the radiator. Generally, 50:50 is a safe ratio to follow, but it may differ depending on specific needs.

A radiator flush is the most important maintenance procedure to keep your radiator running smoothly. If it's not enough and you'll need an actual replacement, however, just be sure to source from the most reliable suppliers.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Car Radiators

Cars can be difficult to figure out at times due to all the parts that could potentially encounter problems at any given time. The radiator and cooling system alone can give some drivers a headache, prompting them to ask questions. Here are a few of the common ones:

How long should I wait before getting a radiator flush?

In a radiator flush, old and dirty coolant is drained from a radiator and replaced with a fresh batch to ensure consistent and efficient cooling. There is generally no concrete rule on when a flush should be performed, but a good guide to follow is every other year or around 40,000 to 60,000 miles.

Can I run the car with a broken radiator?

Too much heat can be disastrous for any engine. Thus, driving a car with a broken radiator is not advisable. In a worst-case scenario, you can still drive your car to a radiator shop for replacement, but keep a close eye on engine temperature the whole way.

Should I get a repair or a replacement?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of damage the radiator actually has. small leaks, for example, can be remedied temporarily, but rusting, corrosion, and bigger leaks call for a replacement.

There are quite a few more questions regarding radiators that drivers and vehicle owners commonly ask. The average driver should at least be aware of some of the answers to avoid more serious damage and even catastrophic accidents.

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Things to Know About Radiator Coolant

Without its cooling system, your car is essentially a chunk of metal that wouldn't go very far before overheating and experiencing serious engine problems. This is why your radiator and the coolant in contains are so important. Here are three valuable questions and answers about radiator coolant:

What is it?

Coolant actually serves several different purposes for a car, although the two most important functions are to prevent overheating and, interestingly enough, prevent freezing. Coolant is also called “antifreeze” at times, but it really proves its mettle as a fluid that draws heat away from the engine and brings it to the radiator to be dissipated into the surrounding air.

How much do you need?

When you buy a coolant that still needs to be mixed with water, the typical ratio is 50:50. Some motorists raise the amount of water to around sixty percent, but this is mostly for high performance cars that need the better heat dissipation properties of the water. Some coolants come pre-mixed and ready to just be poured into the radiator filler.

When should it be replaced?

A simple maintenance task called a “radiator flush” involves draining off the old coolant and refilling the radiator with new coolant. There is no set rule on when a flush should be performed, but it is good to follow the every other year rule or every 40,000-60,000 miles.

Coolant is important to a water-cooled car as blood is to a human. Without it, your car would be not function properly.

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Unusual But Effective Radiator Leak Quick Fixes

When you're out for a drive, the last thing you want to happen is to get a leak in your radiator tank or radiator hoses. Not only is this an inconvenience but it can also potentially lead to overheating and serious engine problems; so the quicker you address the issue, the better. Here are three unusual but effective quick fixes for your radiator:

Black pepper

If you're having trouble with pinholes or small cracks in the radiator, try pouring in a container of ground pepper into the tank. The pepper will rush into the holes and expand due to the heat, thereby plugging the breaches and allowing you to get home or to a repair shop.

Eggs

Eggs don't just make a delicious breakfast -- they're great for temporarily plugging leaks, too. Cracking one or two eggs into the radiator filler helps plug up the leak as the pressure forces the egg into the gaps as the heat cooks it.

Duct Tape.

For problems with a radiator hose, a good roll of duct tape should be enough to temporarily mend a break. This is only applicable for hoses since it would be hard to look for the holes in the tank, and the intense heat of the radiator may just melt through the tape and leave a big mess.

Know these quick fixes and never get sidetracked by a leaking radiator ever again.

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Car Safety Tips: How to Open a Radiator

Earlier this year, the famous Hulk Hogan made the news after a terrible radiator accident left his hand a blistered mess that needed immediate medical attention. This is one of the most horrific fates a person can face when working on any vehicle's radiator. If you don't want it to happen to you, here are a few tips to consider:

Wait and get a towel.

When an engine has been running for some time, radiator coolant is not only hot–  it is boiling hot. This is why you should always wait for the engine to sufficiently cool down before even thinking of touching the radiator. In the meantime, just get a towel for added protection.

Don't open it all the way.

If you're still not entirely sure the radiator has cooled down enough, try using the towel to twist the cap a bit. If you observe coolant and steam still trying to escape, close the cap again and resume the wait.

Use the cap as a shield.

Finally, when you do open the radiator all the way, pull the cap toward you so that any escaping steam and coolant will be diverted away from you. Ideally, the radiator will have cooled down already to avoid this entirely; but you can never be too careful.

Since working on a radiator is dangerous business, it is always best to take a few extra precautions along the way. Don't wait to learn the hard way like Hulk Hogan did.

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On Human Homeostasis and Car Radiators

It is surprising just how many parallels you can draw between the function of the human body and a car's engine. For example, radiators (along with the rest of a car's cooling system) have the crucial function of preventing the engine from overheating, and this can be compared to how a person's body works to maintain constant body temperature. While these two systems are not exactly the same, they are similar in a way.

When temperatures become elevated, the human body perspires to cause heat to be drawn away from the skin as the perspiration evaporates. For water-cooled cars, this is like the circulating coolant that draws excess heat away from the engine, and to the radiator. Beyond certain temperature levels, however, the body stops perspiring, which brings on a fast transition to heat stroke, which is analogous to engine failure in an automobile. The bottom line here: just as mechanisms for homeostasis are important in keeping a person alive, a cooling system is crucial for a car, and without either of them, there would be trouble.

You wouldn't last long in the summer heat if your body cannot maintain a constant temperature; so you should understand just how crucial it is for your car to have a working cooling system. That said, the good news is that you have the choice of buying quality parts for your car, which you should only source from trusted suppliers. It's not “just” a radiator; it's your car's chance at life.

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What does a Car Radiator Do?

In order to understand the function of your car's radiator, knowing the nature of the internal combustion engine that it protects is important. The very nature of internal combustion results in a great deal of heat building up in the metal of the engine block due to hundreds of powerful explosions happening every minute.

To avoid problems like overheating and seizure, the engine block should be kept cool. Also, if the pistons are not able to slide freely in their cylinders because of excessive friction, then there is a chance that they will snap and will cause the engine to fail. In order to prevent this, water and anti-freeze is pumped in the water jackets in the engine block to absorb the excess heat.

The radiator is designed to maximize the surface area through a number of internal folds and chambers. While the hot engine coolant is moving through the nooks and crannies, excess heat is also drawn out in the walls of the radiator. Thus, when the car is moving, the front of the radiator is also cooled by ram air.

If something goes wrong in your car's radiator, then its operating temperature can reach dangerous levels in mere minutes. When this occurs, the engine should be cooled down before the car can be safely driven.

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Radiator Flushing: Washing Off Clogs and Residue

While veins and arteries would need medical attention to get the plaque and clots out, a car radiator only needs to get flushed every once in a while. This helps wash down whatever residue could be building up inside. It also gives you a chance to change your coolant and check if you have the right coolant to water ratio.

The first thing you should do when planning on doing a flush is to shut the engine down and give it ample time to cools down completely, as steam from the radiator could scald you. Let the engine cool on its own and don't douse water on it.

The newer auto radiators for sale are equipped with an easily accessed drain plug; so place a bucket under it and open it up to let the old coolant drain out. When finished, put the liquid in a container with a tight lid and label it “antifreeze” before disposing of it properly. Close the valve when the radiator is done draining.

Then remove the radiator cap, and fill the radiator with water, and run the engine for ten minutes before shutting it off to allow it to cool down again. Then drain it once more and put the water in a closed container.

Put in new coolant mixed with water (check your manual for the ratio), and start the car with the heater on High setting, turning it off only when the temperature gauge reads normal. Wipe the radiator with a rag and keep the used rags in a sealed bag.

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Sure Signs of Car Radiator Problems

Your car's radiator is responsible for keeping its engines from overheating and other mechanical problems. The internal combustion engine's mechanical performance creates friction that ultimately generates heat, something that the radiator has to stave off to prevent frying some of the more sensitive parts of the engine. Hence, it's important to regularly check for these signs that your radiator might not be as efficient as it used to be:

Check under your car or below the passenger compartment for dark green or orange puddles as these are signs that your engine's coolant fluid is leaking. You can also spot this problem if you notice that your coolant refilling stops are getting more and more frequent. Have your radiator replaced immediately upon discovering this problem.

Wait, did your car's heater just blow cool air? This might be a sign that the hot coolant in your engine is no longer circulating. Car heaters operate through a mini-radiator and a fan inside that transfers the heat coming from the engine into the passenger compartment; in other words, no warm air from the heater means there's something wrong with the engine's cooling system.

When driving, regularly check your car's engine temperature gauge and make sure that it hasn't yet gone beyond normal levels. If it has, take a pit stop somewhere safe and grab a bite to eat or take a nap while you wait for the engine to cool down.

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Troubleshooting a Radiator Cap

Though rarely noticed, your radiator cap plays a critical role in your vehicle's cooling system. They're inexpensive to purchase and takes only mere seconds to replace, so there's no reason for you to not replace a faulty one. Ignoring a radiator cap problem can lead to overheating and even engine damage, which could possibly end up costing you a whole lot more.

How radiator caps work

Radiator caps contain a spring-loaded plunger which maintains the pressure in the cooling system. When pressure becomes too high, the plunger will divert overflowing coolant to a reservoir. As the engine cools down, the coolant condenses, which creates a vacuum that allows the radiator cap to “sip” the antifreeze from the overflow reservoir back into the cooling system.

Diagnosing a faulty cap

A faulty radiator cap will present a few common signs that are typically easy to spot. For instance, a cap that is unable to maintain pressure will allow coolant to boil at normal operating temperatures. This boiling can be easily heard, and confirmed by looking at the overflow reservoir. Coolant spilling around the cap is also a common sign.

Replacing a faulty cap

To replace the cap, simply unscrew the old one and put the new one in. Just make sure that the new cap has the same pressure rating as the old one, and don't remove the cap until the engine is completely cool. Otherwise, you risk getting burned by hot coolant as the cooling system releases pressure.

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Is it Time to Buy a New Car Radiator?

The radiator keeps the engine cool and prevents overheating, but due to either poor maintenance or simple wear and tear, this cooling system can breakdown. So how exactly do you know if you should already replace your radiator? A good rule of thumb is to replace it every five years so you won't have any trouble in the near future.

However, you should also check for leaks since experts say that what really affects the lifespan of the radiator has something to do with the leaks. Road debris, inclement weather conditions, and humidity can cause radiators to rust and eventually leak. According to Denise Spooner, an eHow.com contributor, the presence of neon-colored, slimy fluid beneath your car is a sign of a leak.

Aside from the actual presence of radiator fluid, Spooner says that gurgling sounds indicate the presence of radiator leaks. Additionally, when you see white bellowing smoke coming out, that could be a sign that the fluid has spilled on hot surfaces such as valve covers. If you notice any of the aforementioned signs, don't wait until your car overheats; rather, get a new car radiator right away. You'll have more peace of mind knowing that everything is functioning well every time you hit the road.

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Keeping Your Car Cool

The latest accessories and gadgets may make your car look hip and cool to others. Unfortunately, some of these devices may not even be functional and only add to your maintenance expenses. Decorative bumpers are a case in point.

On the other hand, certain car parts literally make your car cool, such as the radiator. Your car's engine is made up of numerous moving parts that generate a lot of heat—a reality that makes making a cooling system such as a radiator an absolute essential. Without such a cooling system in place, your car will keep in overheating and likely to break down at the most inopportune times and places.

Fuel may make your car run, but only a well-conditioned radiator will make it run smoothly without any trouble. As such, by properly maintaining your car's radiator, you'll have a more pleasant ride anywhere you go. At some point, however, your car's radiator is bound to break down for good and will need to be replaced.

The good news is that you can now order a new radiator and other replacement parts online. You can then have them installed by a reputable mechanic at a nearby auto shop. Your new radiator should also come with the necessary warranty.

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Basic Maintenance Tips for Car Radiators

Like every component in your car's engine, you need to keep your radiator well-maintained at all times; otherwise, you risk running into severe wear and tear issues as well as irreparable damage. The radiator is an especially crucial important of your car's cooling system since it regulates the flow of water and coolant throughout the engine to keep it cool even during the toughest moments. Taking care of your radiator is possible by performing routine maintenance checks, although it shouldn't stop there.

For one thing, a radiator must always use the right kind of radiator fluid (a mixture of coolant and water) depending on your expected driving conditions. For instance, when driving in cold weather, you'll need a 70:30 coolant to water ratio for the obvious purpose of preventing the engine from freezing. Meanwhile, under normal conditions, radiator fluid with a 50:50 ratio should suffice.

Additionally, the fluid must always be kept at optimum levels (a.k.a. “topped up”), although what is rightfully considered optimum may require a mechanic's professional advice. In any case, keep in mind that a radiator can only be safely topped up when the engine has cooled down completely. An infrared scan may be required to check for any clogs and leaks, or else the fluid may not circulate properly.

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How to Maintain Your Car's Radiator

Just as a hot-headed person often gets into trouble, so too does a car develop problems when the engine starts to overheat. You certainly wouldn't want your car to overheat while driving in the middle of a busy road or a remote area where there's no access to emergency repair. The key to keeping cool is to maintain your car's radiator in top condition before hitting the road.

The radiator is a type of heat exchanger designed to transfer away heat produced by the engine and thereby prevent any component from breaking down or burning out. Despite the name, this component does not transfer heat by thermal radiation but rather by convection. Heat is transferred by the coolant flowing through the system. As such, it is extremely important to have a sufficient amount of engine coolant every time you drive.

Meanwhile, regular inspection will let you know whether the hose connected to your coolant needs to be replaced by a bigger one. The larger the tube, the more heat can be exchanged, thus preventing the chances of overheating. You may also consider replacing the auto compressor as necessary to make sure a sufficient amount of coolant is being pumped in and out of the system.

Likewise, don't forget to put antifreeze to prevent damage whenever the radiator is not at work. Antifreeze also helps other components from corroding.

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Car Radiators: A Few Preventive Maintenance Basics

Driving your car along a well-paved country road in sunny weather can be an exhilarating experience. Yet what if your car were to break down in the middle of nowhere because of an overheated radiator tank? All your positive feelings are bound to turn into panic and annoyance, more so if you don't have any means to remedy the situation.

A damaged car radiator is certainly not easy to fix, unless the problem merely has to do with a busted hose and you have a spare handy. In any case, you can certainly avoid going through such a predicament by observing basic maintenance requirements. After all, it is never enough that you know how to drive; you must also learn how different car parts function in relation to each other, and how to keep them in good condition.

Before traveling, conduct a thorough pressure test of the entire cooling system, particularly checking for possible sources of coolant leaks. Likewise, pay attention to the fan as a faulty fan clutch or shroud can significantly reduce the fan's cooling power. Finally, check the radiator itself for possible leaks as well as internal and external clogging. You may need to backflush or even refill the cooling system, depending on its condition.

You can also ask your trusted mechanic for more on DIY radiator maintenance. Whether you opt to do it yourself or entrust the task to a professional, timely radiator inspection and maintenance will certainly help you reach your destination in one piece.

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Keeping the Cool: Assessing Car Radiator Damage

The radiator has the humble (but very important) job of cooling down a car's engine. Without it, the system will be prone to overheating and massive internal damage could follow. Thus, motorists should know how to diagnose their automobile if they suspect that its radiator has been compromised.

Radiator malfunctions could be be the result of a powerful impact to the engine, the radiator itself being rusted or cracked, or from a leaking hose somewhere down the line. Reusing old coolant may also destroy radiators from within. One of the most basic methods of determining radiator condition is to check a vehicle's on-board thermometer, which is located on the dashboard. If the needle points towards “H” every time the engine is on, then it means the radiator is unable to properly cool the engine.

Motorists are advised to stop using their cars should they detect a broken radiator; this will prevent the engine from suffering damage from high heat. The broken radiators should be replaced as soon as possible in order to bring back the automobiles to working condition. It would be wise for car owners to hire a mechanic who could install a new radiator so that they don't have to go through the mess themselves.

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Keeping It Cool: Why a Well-Maintained Radiator is Crucial to Efficient Vehicle Performance

Unless your car runs on solar power, its engine will always accumulate heat whenever you turn it on. Most vehicles today run on combustion engines that burn fuel. This means that the engine becomes hotter the longer you keep it on, to the point that it could blow up if it weren't for your car's cooling systems.

One such cooling system is the radiator, which keeps your car's engine operating at optimum temperatures while you drive. In particular, the radiator transfers the heat stored in the engine's coolant to the engine's fins so that the heat gets blown away as excess air. Consequently, your car's radiator will typically need a fresh reserve of low-temperature coolant (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) close at hand at all times.

Provided your car is new, you can expect the radiator to keep running for at least an entire year before it needs to be repaired or replaced. However, the consequences of rolling out with a poorly-conditioned radiator should not be taken lightly. Aside from the fact that your engine can potentially blow up due to excess heat, a faulty radiator can irreparably ruin the engine by way of a coolant leak coolant or the inefficient removal of dirt and grime from the engine's cylinders.

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Dissecting the Car's Radiator System

In physics, you learned that any movement results to friction. This principle, of course, applies to your car's engine. The engine has several moving parts and the friction from these parts makes it necessary to pump motor oil into your car's engine to provide much-needed lubrication. Without motor oil, the moving parts that rub against each other will eventually cause them to deteriorate much faster than the normal rate. As you also learned in physics, motion with friction also generates heat, and excess heat cannot be compensated for by motor oil.

To combat excessive heating in your car's engine, it is necessary to have a quality radiator system. This important vehicle component consists of a radiator, radiator top hose and bottom hose, water pump, thermostat, electric cooling fan, and thermo-time switch. Your radiator system gets to work as soon as you put the proper amount of antifreeze and coolant into it, while the water pump distributes the coolant into the system.

Like most car components, your radiator system needs tender loving care too for it to function at an optimum level at all times and to keep you going while on the road. To make sure of this, check your radiator system regularly and always maintain an appropriate level of coolant mixture. If any parts of your radiator system is failing or is close to failing, have it checked and repaired immediately to prevent the problem worsening.

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