Your car’s radiator plays a vital part in preventing your engine from overheating. When your engine temperature rises, coolant is released. The coolant circulates through your engine and traps the heat. The now-hot coolant is pumped into the radiator, where it’s cooled by airflow through the radiator grille. Radiators are made from aluminum and plastic, and they can suffer damage. As your Chevy dealer, we’re here to help when you need a radiator repair.
Damaged Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the supply of coolant in your engine. If your engine temperature is below 180F, the thermostat stays closed. When the temperature hits 180F, the valve opens and releases coolant from the coolant reservoir. This liquid traps the heat from the engine and transports it to the radiator for cooling. Once the temperature drops below 180F, the valve will close, and the coolant flow will stop.
If the thermostat breaks, it will jam open or closed. If it jams closed, it won’t supply any coolant regardless of the engine temperature. The lack of coolant will cause your engine temperature to rise rapidly. If the valve jams in an open position, coolant will continuously flow through your engine. Your engine temperature will drop below its normal operating temperature. A cold engine will use far more fuel. Our technicians can quickly and easily replace the broken thermostat.
Worn Radiator Hoses
Two tough rubber hoses connect your radiator to the rest of the cooling system. These hoses allow hot coolant into the radiator, and the cooled coolant to return to its reservoir. The hoses are designed to transport hot coolant under high pressure and to do this in the heat of the engine. Over time, the rubber will start to dry out and become less flexible.
A worn hose can develop holes due to the heat and abrasive effects of the coolant. If a hose springs a leak, coolant will be lost, and this also reduces the pressure in the cooling system. The loss of coolant and coolant pressure will raise your engine temperature. We will examine the hoses and the clamps that attach them to the radiator and replace any damaged parts.
Broken Radiator Cap
The radiator cap controls the pressure in the cooling system, and it prevents pressurized coolant from leaking out. The cap has seals that ensure a close and perfect fit between the cap and the radiator. Damage and fatigue can damage the seals, and hot coolant will escape.
Unlike a coolant leak from a hose, it’s less likely that you’ll see a pool of fluid on the ground. The coolant that leaks out normally dries in the heat of the engine. Coolant is made from antifreeze and water, and when it dries, the water can lead to rust forming. This rust can do additional damage to the radiator.
If your seems to be running hotter than it should, call our service department ASAP at Randy Wise Chevrolet.
Image vis Pexels.
Connect with us
