Top Ten Common Car Radiator Problems

A car radiator is the central cooling system that helps cool the car’s engine for increased efficiency even in hot weather. If the radiator gets damaged or its efficiency is reduced, the car reduces its performance and starts overheating. It is therefore important for you, the car owner to ensure the radiator is checked and repaired in good time. A car radiator should be checked at least twice in a year for efficiency reasons. Below are top ten common car radiator problems.

1. Rusting

Car radiators use water as a coolant.  With almost all radiators made of an iron material, the hot water mixed with air results to slow rusting.  This is mostly catapulted by salts in water used, road debris and other natural factors that cause rusting.

2. Constriction or blocked tubes in the radiator

The water or cooling liquid used to cool off the engine passes through numerous tubes within the radiator to absorb heat. If any of these tubes gets blocked by minerals and other solid particles, its efficiency is reduced, thus affecting the engines performance.

3. Epoxy failure

Although the radiator may be made of a rust resistant metal, its use over time and other external factors lead to epoxy failure.These are the materials used to join the radiator tubes together. Proper examination and repair of the same is however needed.

4. Thermostat malfunction and failure

A thermostat is used to determine the engines overall temperature.  The thermostat may start malfunctioning if the radiator is faulty. It is one of the top ten common car radiator problems that motorists experience. A complete replacement of the unit may be needed.

5. Malfunctioning water pump

A water pump is required to enable proper circulation of the coolant within the radiator. If this fails, the engine will start overheating and should be repaired or replaced.

6. Broken brittle hoses

These hoses avail water into the radiator, and are subject to drying and eventually breaking down over time. These can cause a major radiator breakdown, and should be checked and prepared.

7. Leaking radiator tubes

A leaking radiator tube is dangerous to both the radiator and the car engine. If identified, it should be repaired immediately.

8. Blown seams

Seams are used to cement radiator tubes together, making it airtight. If any of the seams blow up, the radiator is then prone to slow leakage, which can be catastrophic.

9. Faulty ignition wires

Ignition wires can cause electromagnetic currents in thermostats and radiator, which result to straying currents. This can result to blocked or constricted radiator tubes.

10. Solders that are faulty

Solder is the material used to attach cooling fins in a radiator. If this material is faulty, it can lead to numerous problems which can cause major problems.

Identifying most of the top ten car radiator problems can be hard for you.  This is the reason why you should have a mechanic take a look and diagnose any of these problems, then take on proper repair procedures as needed.