The car radiator is the tool that keeps your engine from overheating, so it’s pretty important that you keep it in good working order. That means keeping it below 90 degrees if you want it to continue cooling your car. If you see smoke or smell something burning, then that’s an indication that you need to check under the bonnet to see if something is wrong. But what exactly could it be?
Coolant
If you don’t have enough coolant in your radiator, then the engine could overheat. But what exactly is coolant? According to Wikipedia, it’s a combination of water and antifreeze, the latter of which stops the water from both freezing in cold climates and boiling in warmer ones. The coolant is pumped across the engine to stop it from overheating and is cooled when it passes through the radiator.
Low coolant levels can be caused by things such as a leak in the radiator hose. It is recommended that you check your car’s coolant level every month and renew it at least once a year.
If the leak is caused by a crack in your radiator hose, it might be worth upgrading to silicone hoses like the ones you can find at https://www.goodflexrubber.com/pages/silicone-hose-manufacture.
Blocked Radiator
When a car radiator is blocked, the airflow through it is restricted, and this can lead to overheating. This can be caused by a number of things, from trapped insects to dirt and other debris. Check under the bonnet to see if anything is there. If nothing is clearly visible, then inspect the coolant for any contaminants such as floating dirt.
Radiator Cap
This is a common cause of car radiators overheating and an easy one to solve. If your car’s radiator cap hasn’t been attached correctly, then this can lead to coolant leaking out, resulting in overheating. In addition, a cap that has been tightly screwed on maintains the water pressure in the radiator. If it is not on properly, then the pressure can become compromised.
Thermostat
The thermostat valve allows the hot water to move into the radiator to be cooled. If it is blocked or closed, then the water is unable to reach the radiator and the engine will overheat. Thermostats are easily replaced and are one of the main reasons for overheated engines.