The radiator in your car is one of the most misunderstood components. Unlike a heater in your home, which warms the place up, your car’s radiator is part of the engine cooling system. As your engine burns fuel and creates friction, the built-up heat needs to be diverted away. This is the job of its built-in cooling system. Engines can get very hot very quickly, which is why these systems have multiple parts.
When Your Radiator Kicks In
A thermostat near the engine will detect when its temperature is too high. This then triggers a release of water and coolant that are held in the radiator. This picks up the heat and is sent back to the radiator where it will cool down until needed again.
What Happens When the Systems Go Bad?
Your radiator plays a vital part in removing the heat from your engine. Over time, various issues can occur that prevent the cooling system from functioning as it should. One of the more common issues is that the thermostat becomes clogged. This problem means the engine can overheat and breakdown if it is not corrected immediately.
Another common reason for malfunction is leaks in the cooling system. A leak can cause the coolant level to become too low, and it will not be able to pick up the heat when it is needed.
If you are experiencing issues with your radiator, contact the experts in Apopka auto repair at Millikan Battery & Electric. You can reach us at (407) 886-8285 to schedule an appointment for service.