There is more than one way in which heat is produced in a car. Out of all the heat signatures, the highest undoubtedly is that of the car's engine. To keep this heat from damaging important components in the engine compartment the cars radiator and coolant work by dissipating the heat. The more powerful the engine the bigger will be the radiator and better the coolant. Sometimes though, the radiator system is unable to perform the required task because of the lack of coolant.
The coolant in the car circulates the radiator to ensure that the temperature of the engine is maintained at an optimum level. Low levels of coolant in the system can cause the engine to overheat leading to major problems. As such optimum coolant pressure must be maintained.
Some of the reasons that may cause the engine to overheat due to loss of coolant are:
Leaky Radiator.
The radiator in the car ensures that the engine gets ample cooling due to airflow and coolant circulation. Sometimes though, it can develop a leak due to corrosion or debris. The gasket sealing the radiator and the hose can also at times develop a leak and lead to leaking of the coolant. With time they can worsen and cause immense damage to the engine and other systems in the engine bay.
Depressurisation in the Radiator
The radiator cap though small has a very important job in the car. It keeps the pressure inside intact, helping the coolant move about. The cap ensures this with the help of a seal. However, the constant pressure on the seal can cause it to fail. When this happens the radiator will lose pressure and the cooling system will not be able to function.
Blow Head Gasket:
The head gasket manages a wide range of temperature fluctuations. Situated between the cylinder and the engine block. When the head gasket develops a leak it allows the engine oil to mix with the coolant. This can have a disastrous effect on the engine and the radiator.
The worst thing about a blown head gasket is that when it loses its ability to function it is very difficult to catch hold of in a moving vehicle.
Faulty Water Pump:
The water pump in the vehicle ensures that a steady supply of coolant is being circulated throughout the system. If the water pump fails the supply is disrupted thus effectively overheating the engine. The water pump can with time become faulty and needs to be kept an eye on. Sometimes a leak can also develop in the connectors of the water pump.
Problems in the Expansion Tank:
To help supply the radiator with coolant, cars have an expansion tank. It is a plastic container beside the engine and is usually connected to the radiator with a rubber hose. It allows free access to the coolant to the radiator as the engine heats up.
With time and exposure to temperatures changes, the plastic can weaken. If the container cracks up and develops a leak, the coolant will escape.
Diagnosing and Avoiding Leaks:
The easiest way to identify a coolant leak is if there is liquid dripping from the underbody of the vehicle. Coolant is generally pink, yellow or blue so identifying it should not be an issue. However remember, during the summers with the air conditioning on there will be water dripping from the vehicle. So don’t confuse the two.
Signs There the Coolant is Leaking or Needs Replacing:
The engine overheat light is on.
When the coolant leaks, there will be an increase in the temperature of the vehicle. As soon as this happens you will notice a jump in the engine temperature and the check engine and high-temperature lights will be switched on. So keep an eye on them.
Reduced Engine Performance and Increased Levels of Noise:
Remember when the engine is not being cooled properly, there will be a decrease in its performance. Accompanying the decreased performance will be an increase in the noise levels of the vehicle. This noise will be from the radiator fan working overtime trying to cool the engine. If your car is showing these signs do not ignore them, visit Engine Diagnostics Newport to get it checked. The sooner the problem is resolved the easier and affordable will be its solution.
If you feel that your car is not cooling down properly and there is a leak in the cooling system, get a radiator pressure gauge. It will help you confirm if you need to visit a workshop for repairs. If you want to avoid costly repairs to your vehicle make sure to stick to the regular maintenance schedule. For maintenance services visit Car Service Newport and ensure that there are no lapses in maintenance. Part of the maintenance process is keeping the tyres on your vehicle in good condition. For great deals on new tyres, you take your vehicle to Trade Price Tyres Newport make sure you have a great driving experience.
