The temperature of a vehicle, whether it goes up or down, depends on how well a driver maintains the radiator of his car.
Below are 6 ways recommended to keep the radiator running in a tip–top condition.
1) Check the water level.
There is a small plastic bottle connected to the radiator. This bottle should be checked or inspected from time to time.
Fill up the bottle should it lack water. The radiator in fact draws water from it. The radiator itself should also be checked periodically.
2) Check for hose rubber stoppers and plug leakages.
Besides the existence of 2 large hoses, also present are many other smaller rubber stoppers and plugs.
Made of rubber, they tend to become brittle through passage of time. They need to be replaced.
Clips holding large rubber hoses can become loose. Water dripping from such joints, although dripping in drops, eventually causes the radiator to dry up.
3) Check for rust.
The radiator, made of metal, perpetually contains water all the time. Unfortunately, metal and water creates rust.
Rust will block up the “labyrinths” found in the radiator. This the necessity to change the water in the radiator, thereby getting rid of rust.
Removing old water from time to time will help clear away the rust. The above is called “flushing”. It can be done by yourself.
When rust becomes a major problem, the radiator then has to be professionally flushed by a radiator expert or specialist. It may cost anything from RM50 to RM70 to get the job done.
4) Radiator fluid or solution.
New cars are normally filled with radiator fluid or solution. It’s believed it will prevent rust. But the fluids are rather expensive.
A mechanic friend recommended putting 1 teaspoon of detergent. It’s supposed to prevent rust also.
Temperature is also believed to remain low as well.
However, critics say the radiator fluid, solution and detergent will eventually clog up the radiator. The labyrinths in the radiator when clogged, will hinder flow of water thereby causing less water to flow into the engine block causing overheating.
5) The fan belt and the thermostat.
The fan belt is utmost important. The fan is responsible to keep the radiator cool.
If the fan belt should be loose or breaks, it will then be unable to do its function well. So, check the condition of both these items regularly.
The thermostat measures the heat of water in the radiator. The temperature meter depends largely on this item.
The thermostat will kick into action thereby causing the fan to rotate as according per water temperature in the engine.
A malfunctioning thermostat will eventually cause the fan not function thereby causing the fan not to rotate. This will cause water in the radiator to boil!
6) The radiator cap.
Most people are not aware of the vital importance of this small item. The radiator cap appears a small part of the radiator system. Many assume it’s only but a cap to close the radiator.
The radiator cap is made up of a number of ring washers and springs. A good radiator cap not only closes up the radiator tight but in doing so creates an air tight system in the entire radiator.
This system is what enables the water from the radiator to flow well into and out of the engine block. So ensure that the radiator cap be inspected and in good condition all the time.
My duty to advise you seems to be over. It now depends on you yourselves, whether to heed my advice or otherwise.
Great and wonderful info here!