General Radiator Repair information

If you own and maintain your own vehicle, you need to keep in mind general radiator repair information and what maintenance should be performed in order to keep your radiator in working condition. A car engine creates a lot heat, and the radiator is used to remove the heat and cool the engine. Without proper maintenance, radiator replacement might be needed.

The radiator is a reservoir for the water and coolant fluid mixture. This fluid is then pumped through the engine to remove the heat. As the fluid passes through the engine, it will absorb the heat. This heated water next passes through the core of the radiator which consists of a row of a connected metal tubes with fins attached to these tubes. As air passes through the fins, the heat is removed and causes the fluid to cool.

As the coolant fluids pass through the engine, it can absorb dirt that over time will develop into sludge. This sludge can cause blockage in the cooling system and slow down the movement of fluid. When this happens, the reduced fluid circulation will cause the engine to run hotter than designed and the fluid can evaporate. When water evaporates, its volume will increase and will add pressure to the system and can cause the hoses to burst.

To remove the sludge, once a year the radiator should be flushed and the water and coolant replaced. If you notice the vehicle overheating or leaking coolant, and flushing does not correct this problem, the radiator might need to be boiled. This needs to be done by a professional. At times the radiator becomes so clogged, it might need to be re-cored. This is a repair where the radiator is disassembled and a new core replaced.

For more information on radiator repair issues, take some time and read through our collection of expert articles and advice listed below.