When
an engine operates, it generates heat. The radiator's job is to keep the engine
cool and keep it from overheating. The engine of a vehicle absorbs heat and
sends it to the radiator, where it is cooled. After it cools, the coolant is
pumped back into the engine, and the cycle begins again.
When
your radiator is blocked, not performing as efficiently as it should, or has
simply failed, the engine does not receive adequate cooling. This can lead to
your vehicle overheating and, if not addressed quickly enough, irreparable
engine damage.
Radiators
can be obstructed from the inside or outside, or they might just cease
operating. A leaky radiator is not the cause of a MOT failure. Radiators that
are old are prone to leaking. It'll pass the MOT test as long as it doesn't spill
hot coolant on the tester's head, but if it does, the test will most likely
fail. Check
MOT history to see whether this has happened before and what steps were
taken to fix the problem.
Check
for these warning signs of a clogged radiator before it causes costly engine
damage:
1. High Temperature Gauge
Readings - Because a properly operating radiator prevents the engine from
overheating, if the engine begins to overheat, you'll know there's a problem
with the radiator. Check the temperature gauge to see if the readings are
higher than normal or if the needle is in the "red" zone. Some
contemporary vehicles may display the temperature digitally and warn you if it
becomes too high.Most vehicles operate at a temperature of 90 to
105 degrees Celsius. It's usually not a reason for concern if the
temperature dips slightly outside of that range, especially during the summer
when the air conditioner is continually operating. However, if the temperature
remains persistently high, you may have a blocked radiator. This is often
caused by rust corrosion, internal deposit building over time, or debris being
lodged in the radiator, preventing the necessary quantity of coolant from
circulating through the radiator and into your engine.If you complete a MOT history check online
and establish that a reason for a past MOT test failure was due to the
emissions test, then a faulty radiator could well have been the culprit. Go
through any repair invoices you have to hand to confirm exactly what caused the
emission test to occur.
2. Coolant Leaking - When the
radiator becomes blocked owing to heavy rust accumulation, the housing or
cooling fins may develop microscopic holes or splits. Small drips of coolant
may appear on the garage floor or driveway as a result of this. Rust in your radiator
is sometimes caused by using a low-quality coolant or adding normal tap water
(rather than distilled) to the coolant mix, which contains far more impurities.
If you don't flush your radiator on a regular basis, rust will build up and eat
away at the tank.Your car will be forced to function with inadequate coolant if
there is even the tiniest coolant leak, and the low coolant level indicator in
your dash may illuminate. If you don't get the leak repaired by a car garage in Reading or at the very least maintain
the coolant level topped off as soon as possible, your engine may overheat
and require costly repairs due to internal damage.
3. Fluid Discoloration -
Vehicle coolant should have a lighter colour, such as green, yellow,
blue or orange and flow freely through the radiator and coolant pipes
within the engine. Internal deposits, including muck, can pollute the coolant
over time. This will change the hue to a rusty brown or perhaps an oily brown.
The coolant overflow tank is frequently the simplest way to inspect the
coolant's condition.This dirty fluid will also be thicker, making passage
through the cooling system more challenging. This clogs the radiator, and if it
becomes bad enough, the radiator's efficacy will be reduced to the point where
your car may overheat. As soon as feasible, a radiator flush should be
performed. Look online for car
services Reading and make an appointment with a qualified technician.
In certain vehicles, a gearbox cooler is also fitted within the radiator. The
coolant and transmission fluid will mix if the barrier between the two leaks,
generating double the issues.
4. Exterior Radiator Fins
Blocked - Radiators are made to provide the most efficient cooling possible.
Thin fin tubes go across the front of the radiator to accomplish this. Hot
coolant is transported through these tubes. The radiator fan blows outside air
on and around these fins while driving, lowering the coolant's temperature
before it returns to the engine. When dirt, bugs, leaves, or other debris block
these tubes, the airflow is restricted, preventing the coolant from cooling as
quickly as it might. Most cars have sufficient access; however, you may need to
remove one or more plastic covers to clean any material from the radiator's
front using a garden hose and spray nozzle.
5. Damaged or Broken Radiator
Fins - Airflow can be hindered if the radiator's fins are bent or broken in
significant numbers, in addition to blockage by foreign material stuck to the
front of the radiator. These fins are extremely delicate, and simply a speck of
dirt hitting them while driving might cause them to break. When a new radiator
is fitted or the fins are cleaned with water, there is a risk of damage. If too
much water pressure is applied, such as when using a pressure washer or a concentrated
stream, the fins can easily bend and restrict air movement. If enough fins are
damaged, the radiator may get blocked, resulting in engine overheating.
6. Heater in the Passenger
Area Isn't Working - A car's cabin heater relies on hot coolant passing through
the heater core and then being blasted into the passenger compartment by a
blower fan. If the radiator is clogged or leaking, not enough hot coolant
reaches the heater core to adequately warm the inside of the car. A faulty
thermostat is the most prevalent reason, although a radiator issue might also
be to blame.
7. Lower Radiator Hose Is
Cold - If your radiator is working properly, the upper radiator line will be
extremely hot to the touch, but the lower hose will only be warm as the coolant
goes through the radiator. However, if you find that the lower radiator hose is
chilly after a while, it's possible that your radiator has a clog that prevents
the entire flow amount from returning to your water pump.
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