It’s Not Just Carroll, MD That Needs Working Car Radiators in Winter

Care for a car radiator deserves special emphasis because car radiators are actually very vulnerable to extreme heat and cold, despite their purpose of regulating engine temperature. There are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes to “winterizing” a car radiator. For example, if it doesn’t have sufficient amounts of antifreeze or coolant, the radiator would surely contribute to reduced car efficiency. Worse cases will devolve into major mechanical failures that can only be fixed by buying replacement car radiators from retailers like 1-800-Radiator.

One way to minimize these instances is for drivers to perform regular maintenance checks on their radiators before setting off. A “radiator flush” is arguably the most important of them all because it ensures that the radiator is in top shape and clean from any deposits of dirt that would otherwise clog the entire unit.

http://www.radiator.com/newsroom/its-not-just-carroll-md-that-needs-working-car-radiators-in-winter/

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Keep Car Radiators in Good Shape with the Help of Regular Flushing

As the engine coolant circulates through the system, however, debris starts to build up inside car radiators. Similar to what happens with a clogged artery, less engine coolant can pass through a debris-filled radiator, and the component will not be able to cool your car as efficiently.

To address this issue, leading car radiator vendors like Radiator.com recommend flushing the system once every two years. In this process, the original coolant is drained first, and then a special mixture of coolant, detergent, and water is allowed to circulate through the system to dissolve build-ups. While motorists can flush radiators by themselves, they can also ask mechanics to perform the procedure for them.

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Keeping the Rust away from the Radiator

Radiators can rust too. Owners of older cars should be wary of this and make sure to include regular radiator checking as part of their car maintenance, as neglect is usually the cause of radiator problems. Follow these tips to prevent and remove radiator rust as it happens. 

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A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Repair a Car Radiator Leak Problem

Bear in mind that these listed tips are meant to present temporary solutions only. You will eventually have to replace your car radiator at some point. When you get around to it, be sure to purchase a quality replacement radiator to ensure durability.

You don’t have to worry about finding quality replacement car radiators, though. You can purchase one from reputable sellers like Radiator.com. Such shops might also provide you the advice you need in order to better take care of your vehicle components and prevent the need for untimely repairs and replacements in the future.

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Radiator’s Busted? Read Below to Find out Why

Every car relies on its radiator to keep the engine cool so that it doesn’t burn itself out on the road. As such, radiators need to be in good condition at all times to minimize the risks of a blowout, engine failure, or worse. A mechanic is usually the best person to diagnose a radiator problem, although there are certain telltale signs every vehicle owner would do well to keep in mind.

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What to Do When Your Car’s Radiator Fails

Radiators might not look like much to the average car owner, yet these parts are nonetheless crucial to the operation of automotive engines. Without the cooling ability of radiators, car engines are bound to heat up quickly and succumb to damage. 

 

Steam issuing from under the vehicle hood as a result of overheating is often a sign of radiator trouble. However, forcing the engine to work under such conditions and with significantly reduced cooling ability will only result in heavy damage due to extreme heat. 

 

Rather than drive to the nearest auto repair shop while the engine is overheating, it would be wise to let the vehicle cool down for about 15 minutes. Thereafter, you can make temporary repairs to restore limited functionality to the radiator.

Coolant leaks, which are common causes of radiator malfunction, can be addressed in two ways. For instance, motorists can use duct tape on a leaky radiator hose. If the radiator itself is leaking, one can add a fair amount of pepper into the system as the granules can temporarily close off the leak. Once the engine has cooled down somewhat, one can then head safely to the nearest auto shop and ask for a new radiator.

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Signs Your Car Radiator Needs Replacing

Exposed to heat, thermal expansion and compression, water, corrosive chemicals, and other damaging factors, a car’s radiator is subject to a high risk of failure. A basic understanding of the warning signs that the radiator in your vehicle is about to fail can help you address the issue before it becomes a much bigger problem.

Leaking Coolant

A puddle of coolant in your garage or on your driveway may indicate a cracked radiator. If you chance upon one of these puddles under your car, a test performed by a professional mechanic may be warranted to determine where the leak is originating from.

Overheating

If your vehicle develops a habit of constantly overheating, this may indicate a problem with the radiator. If you can’t seem to find any leaks, and the fluid levels in your radiator don’t drop, or you’ve checked the hoses and fittings for clogs, and you’re sure the radiator fan works, then a trip to your local repair shop for a radiator replacement may be just the thing it needs.

Murky, Sludgy Coolant

If, when flushing your radiator, you notice that the coolant you’ve drained out is rust- or oil-colored, then this is a sure sign of a rusty radiator. Once a vehicle develops this issue, a radiator replacement is almost certainly warranted—as no amount of flushing and cleaning can remedy a rusty radiator.

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The Advantage of Aluminum Car Radiators

Car technology has improved leaps and bounds over the years, leading to safer and more fuel efficient vehicles. No matter how advanced today’s automobiles are, however, one fact remains the same: all will succumb to overheating. Thankfully, all cars come equipped with radiators, a series of chambers where heated coolant is sent to be cooled down by a supercharged fan.

Strides in engine technology has made radiators more advanced too, with aluminum being the material of choice since the mid-80s. What are the benefits of an aluminum car radiator?

Lightweight Material

Aluminum is one of the lighter metals, making aluminum radiators easier to ship, install and replace. More importantly, it reduces the overall weight of your vehicle, which contributes to fuel efficiency, speed, and ease of steering.

More Efficient

Many argue that brass radiators conduct heat better than aluminum ones, which is technically true. However, what aluminum lacks in conductivity it makes up for with tensile strength, a property that allows larger tubes to be made. As such, more coolant can pass through at any given time, cooling the engine more efficiently.

Environmentally Friendly

Unlike paper or glass, metals can be recycled infinitely without diminishing their chemical properties. When it’s time to replace your aluminum radiator, it can be melted down and fashioned into another radiator or other aluminum products.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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