The radiator is an important component in the engine cooling system and it is responsible for keeping the temperature at an ideal level by removing excess heat generated by the engine. However, there are certain issues that you can come across associated with the vehicle radiator that can affect the efficiency of the engine. And in extreme cases, it can lead to complete failure of the engine.
There are many components of the engine and you need to make sure that whenever you need to replace a part you purchase from a reliable store. For example, the radiator overflow bottle is an expansion tank connected to the radiator where excess coolant is stored. This coolant will expand when the engine is heating up so that pressure is not built up in the system. A common problem that many vehicle owners will experience with the radiator is leaks.
This will cause the coolant to escape and you will immediately note a drop in the efficiency of the engine. This will increase the risk of overheating the engine. There are many reasons why a leak occurs Sometimes there can be a manufacturing defect in one of the parts or damage to the radiator or corrosion. You need to have a good mechanic that is familiar with the make and model of your vehicle so that they can inspect the radiator to see what has to be repaired or replaced.
The radiator can get clogged up by dirt, debris and rust
This will block the coolant flowing in and affect efficiency. This is also one of the reasons your engine is overheating. An overheated engine will lead to a number of other problems as well. You need to make sure that the radiator is routinely flushed and cleaned so that no debris is clogged up in it. Whenever there is a problem with the radiator function, it can lead to the engine overheating. This can cause a lot of damage to the engine and related components.
So many things can lead to overheating of the engine such as clogs in the radiator, leaking of coolant, low levels of coolant levels and a malfunctioning thermostat. If you see that the engine is overheating when you are driving, you need to have it immediately checked by a mechanic. Just like low coolant levels, high levels are also not good. High coolant levels can cause too much pressure to be built up in the engine cooling system and this will lead to leaks.
When the thermostat malfunctions, the radiator may not warm up properly or it can overheat
The thermostat is what controls coolant flow to the engine. You may need to replace the thermostat if it cannot be repaired. Electrolysis is another radiator problem that can cause a lot of damage to the radiator. It can lead to corrosion. When there is corrosion, many components in the engine cooling system including the radiator will take damage. This can happen if there are contaminants in the coolant you have used or if the radiator has been exposed to corrosive substances like salt. This is one of the dangers of living in a coastal area.
