Radiators play a very vital role in the running of the car and maintaining the engine. A radiator has fins where water passes through a thin layer lined up vertically. The water is cooled through a fan before it goes back to the engine.
The cause of heat comes as a result of the internal combustion engines which generates friction. Even with the use of the motor oils which reduce the friction by making everything slippery to allow the internal components to move with minimum amount of resistance, the engine still produces a vast amount of friction.
Excess heating in a car is caused by a leakage in the radiator. The leakage usually arises from many things. The leak sometimes causes steam-like substance to come out of the car bonnet.
Sometimes you can tell there is a leak if you notice coolant or water underneath the car when it is parked at night. You should quickly find the source of the leakage and work on it to avoid damaging other parts of the radiator due to the excess heat. If you’re getting indications from your dashboard that your car is running way too hot, or if you see or hear or smell something indicating excessive heat, it generally means one of two things.
Either there is something seriously wrong with your engine, or the cooling system is not doing its job properly. Either way, you have to be very careful about driving the vehicle until you solve the problem. An overheated engine is a severe problem.
If you are driving your car and your water temperature gauge rises, and stays, in the red for any length of time, you must pull over immediately and call your mechanic or have the car towed.”
Car owners can also suffer from poor cooling systems when the fins get blocked. The fins help in cooling the fluid running to and from the engine.
It is advisable that you clean the fins each time you take the car for service to make sure there is no blockage within the system. Other things to look out for in the car are the thermostat. The thermostat resides under the return hose that runs from the engine back to the radiator; this hose usually comes off the top of the engine. Let the engine cool, remove and replace the thermostat, then run the idling test again. If that does not fix it, you will have to check out the water pump or the radiator.
Signs of a faulty radiator
In general, leaks and overheating are the most noticeable signs of failure.
However, simple leaking hoses and loose parts can cause both problems, and it is important to pay attention to other indicators of failure.
Leaking
One of the most obvious signs of a radiator problem is a pool of liquid forming beneath the engine when the car is not in use.
Leaky radiators require immediate attention, as they can cause serious damage. Radiator coolant fluid looks green or red in colour and is slimy in texture.
Other types of fluids under the vehicle are signs of different problems.
Overheating
Because the radiator’s main job is to keep the engine cool as it runs, even minor overheating is a major sign that something is wrong.
The problem is usually just a simple leak, but overheating is sometimes a sign of bigger problems, and it is important to investigate the problem.
Drop in pressure
If the radiator has a lot of corrosion, it produces lower pressure levels than normal. If those levels are lower, a problem exists.
Car owners can use pressure gauges to determine the pressure. These devices fit on top of the radiator cap and gauge pressure as the engine runs.
Low Coolant Levels
If the coolant levels are low, the radiator probably has a leak.
Coolant naturally depletes over time, but sudden drops in the coolant level are not normal.
Car owners should check hoses and connections to make sure everything is tight. If those parts look like they are in order, the system could have a hole somewhere.
Rust
Rust on or around the radiator indicates a leak or corrosion.
As the liquid leaks, it heats up and causes the metal to rust.