Cooling System and Radiator Repairs and Replacement

A running engine has at his heart a fire and many moving parts and that create friction, Friction produces amounts of heat that add to the heat of combustion . Though oil is circulated through the engine block to lubricate the moving parts and reduce the friction, it is not enough to keep the heat down to safe levels.

In order to keep the engine running it is necessary to have a fully functioning car cooling system. The radiator is a very important part of this system. Coolant liquid, usually a mixture of water and anti-corrosion agents and in some places antifreeze, is circulated through the engine while it is running. The coolant travels through a system of pipes and rubber tubing, pulling heat away from the engine as it goes. The super-heated coolant then returns to the radiator where it is cooled by air flowing through the core, before returning back through the system.

The car radiator has no moving parts, and instead is a reservoir for the coolant that is regulated by a thermostat, which monitors the flow of coolant through the engine. If the radiator or any part of the car cooling system has a leak or blockage, it can reduce the amount of coolant flow to the engine. When this happens the engine will overheat, this will be indicated by a light or gauge on the dash of the car to alert the driver.

An overheated engine is damaging not just to the engine but can cause other components of the cooling system to fail affecting the life of the car. If a car is overheating, it should immediately be pulled off the road, turned off, and allowed to cool naturally before checking the level of the coolant or being started back up. Never release the radiator cap to cool the engine, as this will release boiling coolant and steam in excess of 100 degrees, causing serious burns and injury.

Since the engine heats up very quickly, it often won’t take long to overheat if there are problems in the cooling system. A simple trip to the shop or to pick the kids up from school could be enough to cause damage. Problems with the car radiator and engine cooling system should be fixed immediately since repeatedly driving and overheating a car can lead to increased damage to the engine parts, including complete engine seizure which will require replacing the entire engine.

The best way to find a problem in the engine cooling system early is to have the car serviced regularly. The car radiator and cooling systems are checked as part of the regular service schedule and small leaks can be found and repaired before they become big problems, as well as checking the condition of the coolant. There are many different coolants to suit many different cars. Some last for many years while others must be replaced every two years, or 30000 KMs, in order to reduce the chances of creating corrosion.

Signs that radiator repair is needed

  • Car owners should be on the lookout for the following warning signs as they may indicate a leak or blockage within the engine cooling systems:
  • Overheating indicator light, or Gauge on the dash showing excessive temperatures.
  • Puddles of red, green or brown liquid under the car.
  • A sweet, chemical smell noticeable inside and around the car while it is hot or running.
  • Steam coming off of the engine.

If any of these warning signs are present the car should not be driven. Instead, call Springwood Complete Automotive Services on 07 3209 1333 and we can arrange towing, or call and we can arrange to have the car towed into our service centre in Springwood, Underwood, Slacks Creek and surrounding areas.. Once the car is on site, a qualified mechanic will diagnose the problem and provide a quote for the necessary repairs. We will contact you to work through the issue, so you have a clear understanding of the testing done and the work required. Repairs will only be carried out after you have accepted and approved the quote.