Detecting Problems with Your Flat Fin Radiator

If you drive a lot, one of the problems you’re likely to encounter is an overheated engine. Just like how the human body needs sweat to cool down, the automobile engine also needs a cooling mechanism – more so when the engine is operating in a hot environment. This is where radiators come in. The flat fin radiator is a type of radiator where “pins” are spread across the engine to cool it down. Since these radiators fight off heat every day, they are easily subjected to wear and tear. Here are some tips for you to detect if your radiator is already having problems:

Don't wait for your car to overheat while you're on the road, be aware of signs that your radiator is not performing its job.

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Symptoms of a Leaking Radiator — Automotive Parts Suppliers

According to the National Automotive Radiator Repair Association (NASRA) of the U.S., the lifespan of the radiator has more to do with radiator leaks rather than with mileage. The environment plays a huge part in this area more than you could imagine. Factors such as heat, assorted debris and chemical reactions can cause radiators to erode and begin to leak. Spotting and recognizing these symptoms can save you time, money, and also help you avoid accidents.

I find that thinking of an active volcano helps me remember these symptoms better. As you know, active volcanoes have lava, and lava is a colored substance much like our first clue.

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5 Radiator Myths Busted — Automotive Parts Suppliers

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With the deluge of information available to people today, it’s difficult to tell which tidbits of info are true and which are merely myths. When it comes to your car and its maintenance, we have to get our facts straight and not just rely on what others say.

Small but terrible enemies from the inner recesses of the car universe

Bugs can’t chew through your radiator like radioactive monsters from comic book hell can. What can do damage though, is when 25% of your radiator becomes their sacred burial ground. This accumulation can indeed cause your cooling system major damage. You can easily fight these creatures with pressure washer, and don’t worry, they won’t haunt you.

Tiny leak, not a problem!

Don’t be in a hurry to dismiss this and wait until you’ve got “time” to address this issue as this tiny hole can become a massive big pain! Small holes can easily become bigger or much worse, it can be an indication of a more severe problem in the cooling system.  Allowing fluid levels to run low will make your life miserable especially in the summer months. Remember, any small problem left unchecked always becomes a big problem, as this may result to bigger repair costs or replacement of parts. Be preventive rather than curative because being curative never focuses on the root of the problem and is a black hole for your hard earned cash.

All Antifreeze/ Coolants are made the same

Being a cheapskate is only good for those quirky fads (like beer mug eye glasses), but never on the essentials. You must learn to sort out parts that you need to invest on and those that you can forego on quality, like patent leather seats. Cheaper coolants do not offer the same additives like corrosion protection, sediment prevention or PH balancing like those of top- quality. A cheaper coolant can evaporate more quickly causing you to use more of the product and in the long run, cost you more.

No need to change a radiator cap that’s still working

Or is it? Your radiator cap needs to be replaced over time as it is exposed to extraordinarily high temperatures and is expected to maintain pressure inside the radiator at the same time. These caps have seals and springs to ensure proper pressure is maintained, but these seals and springs can corrode and crack over time. If these are faulty, think about what might happen if the pressure is unnecessarily released – it would be like a shaken can of soda bursting out of its seams. Keep these seals, springs and cap in working order or it can be devastating to your entire system. Always check your cap whenever you add coolant to your car.

Slow down when overheating in traffic

This is something straight out of the Myth Busters’ page. Revving the engine slightly can actually help push more air across the cooling cores when see the telltale signs of overheating are present, therefore pushing more coolant through the engine and conclusively cooling your engine.

It pays to know your facts. Always do your research and cross- reference before biting into that piece of cookie.

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