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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