There are so many parts in a car’s engine. Obviously, an engine and transmission are both important components of a car. Yet, there is something else equally as vital: your radiator. The radiator is part of your car’s cooling system, which is designed to keep the engine at an optimal temperature. The radiator is comprised of many parts. To know if your vehicle’s radiator needs repair it’s important to understand the different parts of the radiator. A vehicle’s radiator needs repair if even one part is not working properly.
The Parts of a Radiator
The Core
The core of a radiator is made up of fins that transfer heat from the coolant to the air. To do this effectively, the fins have to be great heat conductors. This is why they are generally made of aluminum or copper. A radiator needs repair when there’s an issue with the fins.
Pressure Cap
In order to raise the boiling point of the coolant, it is maintained under pressure. To keep the coolant from boiling up entirely as it heats the car, a pressure cap is utilized. The cap contains a spring, and when the coolant heats up, the pressure builds and forces the valve in the cap to open. The coolant is then able to go into the overflow tank and the system remains full of coolant that is pressurized. If a pressure cap is malfunctioning, a radiator repair is critical.
Transmission Cooler
Cars that have automatic transmissions have radiators that contain transmission coolers. These use the same coolant to absorb heat from steel tubes that move the transmission fluid. Because this happens in the radiator, if the transmission fluid gets very hot, so can the coolant. This can lead to an overheated engine. A radiator repair should be able to fix the issue.
Tanks
A radiator repair may be necessary if there is something wrong with the tanks. There are two tanks on either side of it: one for the hot coolant coming from the engine, and the other for the cool coolant that flows to the engine.
What If My Radiator Needs Repair
Since all of these parts need to work together, it is crucial that your radiator is well-maintained. An issue in just one area could lead to a problem requiring radiator repair. Kernersville Auto Center has experienced technicians that can determine if your radiator needs repair and make the repairs.
