Car Radiator Problems

Car radiator is an important auto part, which helps to provide cooling to the engine, which encounters excess heat produced due to the movement of various parts of engine. The parts of engine are exposed to continuous movement, thus causing friction, which leads to the production of excess heat. The problems with this part, if not attended in time, may lead to overheating of engine and finally cause other car problems such as breakdown.

Friction between various parts of car engine produces heat and obstructs sliding of piston. For absorbing excess heat produced, anti-freeze water mix or coolant is filled in the engine chambers. It works on the principle of increasing the surface area through folds, which results in greater absorption of heat, when the coolant enters the car radiator. There are various problems, which can obstruct sound functioning of cooling system. The most common radiator problems are as follows.

Electrolysis: Electrolysis can be defined as the process of decomposition of electrolyte, due to electric current. Using water high in mineral content, or contaminated water in radiator, accelerates the process of electrolysis and causes sediment deposits and wear on the interior part of a car radiator. You can use cleanser to remove this deposit or sometimes scrub with a brush.

Damage to the Fan: Inappropriately installed fan can cause abrasion due to friction, when it gets rubbed against the radiator or strokes against the radiator. This lowers cooling efficiency due to the damage to radiator core. In most cars with front wheel drive, an electric fan motor is lodged in front of the radiator. Cooling fan is meant to provide improved airflow throughout the radiator. The fan functioning is regulated by sensors, which control the engine temperature. Malfunctioning of sensors may lead to increased temperatures and car overheating. You should visually examine the radiator core frequently to avoid any further complications due to this.

Leakage in the Seam: With usage, car parts are subjected to wear and tear. Car radiator components such as fittings, seams and hoses deteriorate with the use. The parts such as clamps get corroded and rusted, seams leak and sometimes overfill bottles leak. In case of seams getting broken or cracked, you will have to fix it with a sealant or in more severe case, you will have to weld to seal the gap. Most often, radiator seam causes seepage of coolant at the junction of tank and radiator core. To avoid leakages and wear and tear, you should carry out periodic maintenance of radiator.

Cooling Fins Damage: Continuous contact with water or coolant and dirt can cause the cooling fins on core to wear, corrode and damage. Periodic examination and maintenance of radiator core can enhance radiator core life. The radiator core is glued to the tank by solder, where the damage occurs, most often.

Engine Overheating: Sometimes anti freeze circulation gets obstructed due to bent radiator hose or malfunctioning of thermostat. It results in water accumulation, reduces the coolant flow and causes engine overheating. In this case, you will have to disengage the radiator for cleansing and replace the radiator hose.

Drop in Coolant Level: As discussed above, leaks would contribute to the anti freeze level dropping. You should be able to see the level in the radiator, by taking off the radiator cap. If you are required to add a pint of radiator fluid, it indicates engine coolant leak. In case of any prominent leak, you will notice fluid pool beneath the engine, on running the engine for a few minutes.

This was all you need to know about car radiator problems and procedures to rectify them. Periodic maintenance will help in detecting a radiator problem and fix it in time.