Dealing with an Overheated Radiator
Overheating is one of the most common breakdowns that autos
encounter during the summer season. It happens when the
temperature of the coolant exceeds the normal operating
temperature range of the engine. Overheating has many causes.
Idling under hot weather for prolonged periods can wreak havoc on
the cars cooling system, because the water pump doesn't turn fast
enough. Thus the coolant is not circulated, as it should be.
Sometimes a leak may cause the coolant level to drop thus causing
the radiator to overheat. Here are a few pointers for dealing
with an overheated radiator:
1. Turn off the A/C. If the car is not seriously overheating,
this will reduce the engine's temperature. The AC evaporator is
located in front of the radiator, and it adds heat to the air
going to your engine. The hotter the incoming air is, the less
efficient the radiator will be.
2. Turn on your heater (set on highest temperature setting, with
blower on highest setting). This will be uncomfortable for you,
but it will cool the engine by transferring the heat to the air.
Roll down the windows, and remember how 'hot' you'll get if your
engine needs replacement!
3. If you're stuck in traffic, pull over and stop. Unless you're
moving, very little cool air reaches the radiator. Open the hood
and let the engine cool off. This takes time, so be patient. Use
the time to go get a jug of water or antifreeze.
4. Check the overflow tank coolant level. If it's empty, the
radiator is probably low on coolant.
5. Check the pressure of the system by wrapping a cloth around
the upper radiator hose and squeezing it. If it's still under
pressure (hot) it will not squeeze easily. Wait until it does.
6. Place a large cloth over the radiator cap, and carefully
release the pressure. Serious burns can result from the hot
coolant. If in doubt, wait until the engine cools completely.
7. If the coolant is low, start the engine, and slowly add the
water or coolant necessary to fill it up. The engine must be
running. Adding coolant to a warm engine can crack the block. By
running the engine, the coolant keeps moving and reduces the
chances of this type of damage occurring.
Radiators are indispensable parts of any cooling system. They are
designed to dissipate the heat, which the coolant has absorbed
from the engine. However, like all auto parts, radiators are
prone to damage and corrosion. As it is mostly made of metal and
is in constant contact with liquids, radiators can break down
over time due to corrosive forces. Defective radiators can spell
doom for any engine. Irreparable damage can result if a
malfunctioning radiator is not repaired or replaced immediately.
If your radiator needs to be replaced, you can find aftermarket
radiators that are more affordable but are nonetheless excellent
in quality. Replacement radiators are available from the best
auto parts suppliers online such as Auto Parts Inner.
You can find top quality aftermarket Chevrolet Radiators for your
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