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Common Radiator FAQ’s
The main function of your vehicle’s radiator is to cool the internal combustion engine which powers the vehicle. It is designed to remove heat generated by the engine to the air in order to keep the temperature regulated and prevent it from overheating. If the engine overheats, it could cause the engine to stop working and need to be replaced, which is much more expensive than even buying a new vehicle.
Air heats up relatively quickly and for the radiator to continue to transfer heat to the surrounding air effectively, the hot air must be continually replaced by cool air. This helps the heat transfer process continue smoothly. However, when the car is immobile or natural airflow is insufficient, a fan pointed directly at the core forces more air through it and more heat is transferred.
Yes, an aftermarket radiator is designed to fit the same as your original radiator. At Automotive Hospital, we make sure to match the make and model to all parts ordered so that repairs and replacements are performed seamlessly.
Unfortunately, not this part of the radiator can not be fixed. However, the plastic tank can be replaced with a new one that will fit in place just as the old one did. This is an easy and relatively low-cost replacement that will help extend the life of your current radiator.
To run, an engine needs to burn fuel. This naturally produces an immense amount of heat. So, the engine needs to be cooled as much as possible so that the pistons do not break down and destroy the entire system. These steps are involved in cooling an engine:
- First, the coolant in the engine is passed through the tubes inside the radiator. Heat absorbed from the engine is dissipated into the atmosphere before the coolant returns to the engine.
- Next, coolant enters pipes in an overheated state, it becomes highly pressurized, and the radiator cap opens at a predetermined pressure point.
- Then, it releases the heat and allows excess coolant to escape into an overflow tank at the side of the radiator.
- Last, the coolant is returned to the radiator once the temperature has been lowered to a safe state.
Slight variations to the standard radiator and cooling system can be seen from model to model, but this is the general process for most car systems.
Your radiator is responsible for cooling the internal combustion of your engine. Thus, a cracked radiator can be dangerous to drive with because your engine risks overheating. A cracked radiator does not let the proper amount of coolant reach the engine. Contact Automotive Hospital for diagnostics and repair if you believe your radiator is cracked.
Most leaks in a radiator or radiator casing can easily be repaired by a professional. If you think there is a radiator issue in your vehicle, it is best to bring it to the professionals at Automotive Hospital for diagnostic testing and servicing. While a radiator is one of the cheaper components to a car engine, it is still an expense for a vehicle owner.
A repair usually can be performed in less than a day by a skilled technician. Most plastic radiators can be replaced in a few hours and metal radiators can take a few hours up to a day. It is all dependent on how busy the shop is, and which technicians are available. Automotive Hospital offers the convenience of rental cars while your radiator repair is completed so you can go about your day while we take care of your vehicle.
One of the most common symptoms of radiator failure is related to a coolant leak. To be on the safe side, check your car’s radiator water or coolant levels every two weeks. Most cooling systems have a visible maximum and minimum level indicator that you can use to judge the level of coolant. Your levels should naturally fall between the two. If a major dip occurs over a short period of time, chances are you have a radiator issue.
This is a very serious problem. If your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as you notice a problem, you should find a safe spot to pull over and shut the engine off. Do not attempt to check the fluid levels in the radiator as hot fluid can cause severe burns. Have your car towed to a reputable car service centre, preferably Automotive Hospital, and have it looked at immediately.
Replacing a radiator is only necessary if the radiator is beyond repair. Radiators can usually be patched up by an expert mechanic like that staff at Automotive Hospital. Standard radiator replacements can range between $200-1100 for the parts and labor involved in the installation. However, the average cost for a radiator repair is usually much lower than the high-end of a replacement, depending on your make and model.
