What does the radiator do?
A car's engine is made up of a whole bunch of parts all
moving together creating a lot of friction—and friction means heat! In no time
at all, those engine parts can get super-hot. That’s where your radiator comes in. The radiator system
pumps coolant (a mixture of water and anti-freeze) through the engine to keep
things cool. The radiator system is more than just the radiator. The radiator works
together with other parts including a fan, some hoses and a water pump to
dissipate heat away from the engine.
What could possibly go wrong?
Where
there are moving parts, there will inevitably be breakdowns. Low coolant
levels, a clogged radiator, thermostat problems and other issues can cause the
engine temperatures to rise to dangerous levels in a very short time. If this
happens when you are driving, stop immediately and turn the engine off. Allow
the car to cool before attempting to drive to a mechanic or call a tow truck.
How can I prevent radiator problems?
· Check the
coolant levels on a regular basis
· Inspect
hoses for cracks or leaks
· Look under
the car for drips or puddles of green, sweet smelling liquid (coolant)
· Have
routine inspections completed by your mechanic during preventative maintenance
visits.