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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
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