Radiator Replacement
What is a radiator?
The radiator's job is to remove heat from the engine's coolant. As hot coolant passes through the radiator it is cooled before returning to the engine, where it absorbs heat and returns to the radiator. This cooling process keeps the engine from overheating.
How does the radiator work?
The engine generates heat when it is running; this heat must be removed to prevent damage to the engine. Coolant circulates throughout the engine and absorbs this heat. The water pump pushes the coolant through the radiator (where it is cooled) and returns it to the engine once more to absorb the engine’s heat, before returning it to the radiator to be cooled again. When a vehicle is traveling fast, rushing air flows through the radiator and cools the engine. When a vehicle is in stop-and-go traffic or stuck at a traffic light, the engine’s cooling fan pushes air through the radiator.
A failing radiator can cause the engine to run hot or overheat.
Most radiators are made of metal and plastic. The plastic parts can become brittle and crack over time, thus requiring replacement of the radiator.
What are the symptoms related to a bad radiator?
A failing radiator can cause the engine to run hot or overheat. Most radiators are made of metal and plastic. The plastic parts can become brittle and crack over time, causing a leak of coolant (typically green or pink in color). All manufacturers have a recommended service interval for coolant renewal. As the coolant ages, the additives breakdown and being to form solid deposits. These deposits will build up in the passages of the cooling system and will eventually clog components, including the radiator. A leaking or clogged radiator must be replaced. Some automatic transmission cars will also have a transmission cooler integrated into the radiator. Lines going to and from the transmission circulate transmission fluid to help cool the transmission in heavy duty applications such as towing or off-roading. If this integrated cooler fails, it can allow transmission fluid and coolant to mix. This will causing shifting issues in addition to overheating.