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.