Replacing your radiator and knowing when to replace a radiator is necessary. Replacing a radiator is not a much-liked activity. Therefore, it keeps on getting postponed. However, a radiator is a crucial part of your vehicle and needs repair and timely replacement.
Most of us are aware of the presence of a radiator in our vehicle. However, many of us might be unaware of its purpose. A radiator is essential for the cooling system of any car. Its fundamental aim is to keep a check on, control, and guard against overheating in a car’s engine.
A radiator works by eliminating excess heat from the engine of a vehicle. A car engine creates immense power by burning fuel. Therefore, it is essential to provide an outlet for the heat generated. The coolant present flows to the radiator. Here the thin metal disseminates the heat into the air outside. Thereafter, the coolant recirculates through the engine.
However, how does one discern that a vehicle needs radiator replacement? Well, here is how!
How do you know when your radiator needs replacement?
A leakage – A coolant leakage is a warning that your radiator needs replacement or repair. Leaking happens because of a crack. If you notice a green fluid leaking from your car, it needs a mechanic. A mechanic might run a pressure test to locate the leak’s origin.
A mechanic can repair the leak and replace the damaged component if it is not too serious. He will be able to fix it or swap out the damaged part. Hoses for the radiator are another potential leak source. The hoses are where the leaks typically occur. Therefore, be sure to check them frequently.
Overheating – The purpose of the radiator is to ensure that there is no overheating in the engine. It allows the coolant to pass and release the heat into the air, ensuring that the desired temperature is maintained constantly. The vehicle’s engine has a thermostat that warns the driver if the temperature is too high. So, if your vehicle is often overheating, it needs radiator replacement.
Rusting – Rusting also results in radiator dysfunction. If a fragment of rust gets into the coolant of your car’s engine, it will combine with it to form a viscous liquid. Therefore, the radiator will not be able to release the excess heat from the engine. In cases of rust, an entire radiator needs flushing.
Water Pump failure – The radiator has a water pump too that pumps the coolant liquid through the engine continuously. If this water pump stops working, it will lead to overheating as there will be no coolant circulation from the engine to the radiator.
How to replace a car radiator?
Replacing a radiator is not an easy job and might require the help of a mechanic. However, through these steps, one can replace their radiator –
- Disconnect the battery – The first and foremost step after the engine cools down is disconnecting the battery using a car jack. Before proceeding, ensure that the radiator, coolant, and other components are not hot.
- Detecting the damage – Search for damage to the hose, belt, and thermostat.
- Drain and disconnect the radiator – Remove the coolant from the radiator by opening the radiator cap. Thereafter, disconnect the radiator from its place by unscrewing the bolts and hoses.
- Replace the old radiator with the new one – Lift the damaged radiator and mount the new one securely.
- Add the coolant – Refill the radiator with a new coolant liquid and add distilled water to it.
- Air pockets in the cooling system should be bled – Remove the trapped air in the system by turning on the vehicle’s engine for a while.