How Does a Car Radiator Work?

The car radiator and cooling system are essential components in a car’s engine, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance. It helps avoid surprise breakdowns and expensive repairs. In this blog, we will explain how the component works and help identify some obvious signs indicating that it needs immediate attention.

Keeping Your Engine Cool: Understanding Car Radiators

Do you want to know “How does a car radiator work”? Well, your car burns fuel and generates energy as well as heat. High temperatures due to the heat can impact the vehicle’s operation. Furthermore, this could result in reduced power and increased fuel use.

To prevent this issue, each motor car has a temperature management system. It consists of a radiator, a liquid coolant, a hose, a fan and a thermostat. Before explaining the overall function of the automobile cooling mechanism, let’s learn more about its major components to help you get a better idea:

  • Core: It is one of the largest components of the temperature regulating system. The metal structure is made up of thin tubes or fins that allow coolant to flow through and absorb heat from the engine. As the liquid passes, the warmth is dispersed into the surrounding air to prevent overheating.

  • Fan: A radiator has an electric fan for enhanced cooling. Its moving blades draw in fresh air from the outside and pass it through the core. This way, the additional airflow helps maintain a low temperature when the car is idling in traffic.

  • Tanks: They distribute the transmission fluid and coolant to the core via the tiny tubes.

  • Overflow Tank: This transparent plastic tank collects expanding fluid and recycles it back to the engine after it cools down.

  • Mounts: These contraptions mount the entire unit and absorb vibrations to prevent leaks or cracks.

The radiator has small passages or tubes for coolant to flow. The liquid absorbs the excess heat from the combustion system and takes it to the cooling unit. Here, thin metal fins or openings on its body allow cool air to pass by, releasing scalding air. Once the fluid settles down, it recirculates back to the engine for another round. The continuous flow of hot and cool solution through the pipes maintains the optimal temperature of the vehicle.

Signs You Have a Bad or Failing Radiator

Your car’s radiator assists the engine’s overall performance. Any issues in its internal cogs and gears can cause breakdowns or more. Also, several symptoms can indicate potential problems. Here are some tell-tale signs you should keep an eye out for:

  • Overheating Vehicle: One of the biggest signs of a failing radiator is engine overheating. If your car gets too hot or emits smoke after running for some time, you should get it checked immediately.

  • Sludge Build-up: Sediments, deposits, and build-ups eventually block the core and its tubes. Moreover, they impact the coolant flow, causing the internal parts of the automobile to heat up. Ideally, getting the 4-wheeler serviced at regular intervals can prevent blockage.

  • Fluid Leakage: If you notice greenish or orange liquid leaking under your car, it could indicate issues in the auto cooling system. Radiator leaks create a pool of coolant on the ground, making it quite noticeable.

  • Difficulty in Shifting Gears: A malfunction in the unit can heat the transmission fluid, causing issues while changing gear.

  • Damaged or Clogged Fins: These tiny openings on either side of the metal component are responsible for air circulation. Bent, blocked, or broken openings can compromise airflow, causing the scorching engine.

How to Maintain a Car Radiator?

The temperature-regulating system is an important part of your vehicle’s internal mechanism. You must keep it well-maintained and ask your auto mechanic to inspect its parts during regular servicing. Here are some of the reliable maintenance tips by our experienced mechanics:

  • Inspect Fins: Once a year, bring your car for automotive radiator repair and servicing. During the inspection, technicians can carefully clean delicate fins and remove build-up. Once done, these debris-free flaps ensure optimal airflow and cooling.

  • Flush Fluid: Ideally, you should refresh the fluid once every 2 years or around 50,000 kilometres. Also, it is recommended to use the specified coolant grade mentioned in the service manual.

  • Check the Coolant Levels: One more essential factor is to ensure liquid levels are within the manufacturer-approved range.

Get Your Car Serviced by an Expert – The Auto Man

Regular wear and tear can eventually run down this portion of the car. However, you do not need to worry. The Auto Man is one of the most reliable shops in Melbourne providing car radiator services. We have a knowledgeable team and can help you get your four-wheeler back on the road.

Our services cover radiator repairs, fixing coolant leakage, and more. Here is a quick look at the process we follow:

  • Inspection: Our mechanics run a detailed inspection of the cooling unit to identify the reason for the breakdown.

  • Diagnosis: They use advanced tools to locate the problematic component and recommend suitable remedies.

  • Repairs: Once you greenlight the fixes, our team works to fix the issue. They flush and replace the contaminated coolant for optimal performance. Additionally, the technicians run various pressure tests to check for leaks or weak spots in the radiator. They also repair or replace any faulty part, making the internal system of the automobile as good as new.

  • Final Test and Handover: Before we return your vehicle, our experts run a test drive to ensure it’s running smoothly.

Our mobile radiator repairs offer unmatched convenience right to your doorstep.  You can call us on 0401 354 869 or email us at theautoman313@gmail.com for an appointment.