Despite the outside temperature, the vehicle’s engine operates under very hot conditions. Therefore, it is vital to keep the engine cool for the smooth working of the vehicle. This has only been possible due to radiators present inside the vehicle that rotates the coolant and back again.
Car radiator is a significant part of the engine’s cooling system. This keeps the vehicle at the optimum temperature as specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle. Cars mostly consist of aluminum radiators that transfer heat from the hot coolant to the tubes as the air moves towards the fins, cooling the fluid completely.
Working of the Radiators
Behind the smooth working of the coolant, the radiator lies various components that work together. A coolant is circulated between the radiator, engine, and engine cylinder head from where heat is absorbed. A thermostat lying between the engine and radiator controls the flow of the coolant and maintains its temperature.
A connection between the radiator and the engine is generally established using a radiator hose. These move back to the engine and maintain a specific temperature. Applying too much pressure would deteriorate the hose and other parts of the system, and this excess pressure is relieved using a radiator cap. The radiator cap releases the pressure, and when it reaches a certain value, the coolant moves back to the radiator once it has cooled down.
Components of a Radiator
The car radiator consists of three main components: the pressure cap, inlet, and outlet tanks. The core is the leading section with a large metal block and has rows of narrow metal fins. This is the same place where the hot coolant entering the engine releases heat, and the radiator is all set for the next round.
The pressure cap seals the coolant and keeps the pressure intact. Therefore, the radiator would only function appropriately under the right pressure and abstain from boiling and overflowing coolant. The outlet and inlet tanks are responsible for directing the coolant to the radiator once it has moved towards the engine. These tanks handle very hot liquid appropriately.
Signs of a Problematic Radiator
Vehicle Overheating
If your vehicle overheats under regular driving conditions vehicle overheating is the possible reason behind it.The only thing that keeps the engine cool is the radiator and overheating doesn’t necessarily mean that radiator has failure.Minor issues could be the underlying cause.
Leaky Coolant
You may suspect a coolant(bright yellow,green or red in color) beneath your vehicle.A coolant leak clearly indicates an issue.Whether it is the radiator,a hose or there is any engine block the concerns must be identified and resolved as soon as possible.A pressure test would help you determine the source of leak.
Formation of Sludge in the Radiator
The coolant from the radiator is usually bright yellow,red and green in color.In case you suspect a discolored or rusty coolant it is possibly due to contamination.The contaminants leads to detrimental effects on the radiator.A number of reasons can be held responsible for it and requires an immediate radiator replacement.
Low Coolant Levels
If you continue adding coolant to the radiator and the vehicle’s dashboard continues showing “Low Coolant Levels” it is because of the leaks.Determine the radiator price before replacing the existing one with a new one.
How the Radiator Replacement Takes Place?
The radiator replacement is performed using the following steps:
- The radiator will be thoroughly checked for leaks.
- In case the radiator needs a replacement the coolant will be removed from the system.
- The cooling fans,radiator and transmission hose will be eliminated securely from the system.
- The old radiator is taken out from the vehicle.
- The cooling system would be flushed to eliminate debris from it.
- New radiator along with cooling fans,radiator hose and transmission lines is fitted within the vehicle again.
- New coolant will be added to the radiator and the system is bled to root out air.
- The vehicle would undergo road testing to check its smooth operation.
Things to Consider
- It is better to pressure test the cooling system once the repair is carried out to make sure that there is no leakage.
- A thermostat replacement must be necessarily carried out during the radiator replacement so that it works optimally.
- Replace the coolant after a certain time to yield optimum performance from it.Ideally the coolant must be replaced after every 5 years depending on the kms travelled.
Radiator Categories and Parts Price
Older vehicles have brass or copper radiators the best way to resolve the issues is to fix the faulty radiator issues.The present day vehicles have plastic radiators and the top quality radiator price is usually $100.Alternatively,one can install aluminium radiators but they pose greater damage to the vehicle.
Why There is So Much Difference Between the Labour Times?
The labor cost or radiator replacement isn’t an expensive affair.These are present at the front of the vehicle and are spacious which aids better cooling which means that accessing them won’t be a hassle.Radiator replacement isn’t as complicated as it sounds watch some videos and you’ll be able to perform the replacement tasks on your own.Coolant is not an environment friendly product and releases caustic smell.If you don’t want to get into all this consulting a reliable mechanic would be the best course of action.
The Bottom Line
You can save money from the radiator cost by purchasing quality and genuine car parts from the leading store ‘The Auto Parts Shop’.All our products are sold at reasonable prices and are delivered within a day.The radiators play a crucial role in keeping the vehicle’s engine cool.These issues must be resolved for the smooth working of the engine and the car.