Summer is fast approaching! Now is a good time of year to get a radiator service before those hot months are here. To ensure your car won’t be subject to overheating leading to an urgent radiator repair down the road, there are several things that you can check.
- Is there enough coolant/antifreeze? Don't just look inside the plastic overflow bottle, but remove the radiator cap (when the engine is cold) and look inside the radiator. If the fluid is at the proper level, you should be able to physically see it. If you have to add more than a pint or if you see any obvious loss on the ground or in the engine compartment, schedule a radiator service to have the cooling system pressure tested for a leak.
- Be alert to determine “when” the engine overheating actually occurs, especially if there is no leak and level of fluid is correct. This will help your mechanic determine the possible cause of overheating and perform the necessary radiator repair.
While the engine is idling:
- Is the cooling fan for the radiator working properly? Most cars have a motor fan which is responsible for engine cooling, especially at stops and low speeds.
- Does your car have an air conditioner condenser fan? The air conditioning compressor will require the cooling fan to operate at idle as long as the compressor is on, again especially at idle and low speeds.
While the engine is operating at driving speed:
- Is there enough hot anti-freeze circulating? Airflow and coolant circulation are crucial at 55 MPH. The water pump should be pumping a large amount of hot antifreeze throughout the cooling system.
- If overheating is occurring at normal driving speeds, there may be a restriction in the system like a kinked radiator hose, a restricted radiator, or a stuck thermostat.
The radiator is the primary heat exchange for the engine, and airflow is crucial. If there is insufficient airflow your car will overheat. When cars overheat, the problem needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible. When this happens take your car to your local auto service center for a radiator service as soon as possible.
Need quality radiator service? The auto professionals at Gary’s Quality Automotive are happy to help with any of your car problems. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians by calling (308) 381-2295 or go on-line at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information about radiator repair. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, Wood River and Doniphan, NE.
Summer is fast approaching! Now is a good time of year to get a radiator service before those hot months are here. To ensure your car won’t be subject to overheating leading to an urgent radiator repair down the road, there are several things that you can check.
- Is there enough coolant/antifreeze? Don't just look inside the plastic overflow bottle, but remove the radiator cap (when the engine is cold) and look inside the radiator. If the fluid is at the proper level, you should be able to physically see it. If you have to add more than a pint or if you see any obvious loss on the ground or in the engine compartment, schedule a radiator service to have the cooling system pressure tested for a leak.
- Be alert to determine “when” the engine overheating actually occurs, especially if there is no leak and level of fluid is correct. This will help your mechanic determine the possible cause of overheating and perform the necessary radiator repair.
While the engine is idling:
- Is the cooling fan for the radiator working properly? Most cars have a motor fan which is responsible for engine cooling, especially at stops and low speeds.
- Does your car have an air conditioner condenser fan? The air conditioning compressor will require the cooling fan to operate at idle as long as the compressor is on, again especially at idle and low speeds.
While the engine is operating at driving speed:
- Is there enough hot anti-freeze circulating? Airflow and coolant circulation are crucial at 55 MPH. The water pump should be pumping a large amount of hot antifreeze throughout the cooling system.
- If overheating is occurring at normal driving speeds, there may be a restriction in the system like a kinked radiator hose, a restricted radiator, or a stuck thermostat.
The radiator is the primary heat exchange for the engine, and airflow is crucial. If there is insufficient airflow your car will overheat. When cars overheat, the problem needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible. When this happens take your car to your local auto service center for a radiator service as soon as possible.
Need quality radiator service? The auto professionals at Gary’s Quality Automotive are happy to help with any of your car problems. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians by calling (308) 381-2295 or go on-line at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information about radiator repair. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, Wood River and Doniphan, NE.
