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.