Radiator Service Increases Safe Winter Driving
The cold days of winter are approaching fast. Many drivers don't understand that even though the temperatures are low, it doesn't mean your radiator can't overheat. It is more important than ever to give your vehicle a radiator service before winter's cold temperatures are here to stay. The hot temperatures of summer may have unknowingly taken a toll on your vehicle's cooling system and you're headed for a major radiator repair.
To help prevent major radiator repair because of an overheating engine, here are two issues to watch out:
- What is the level of coolant/antifreeze?
When the engine is cool, remove the radiator cap to check the level of the fluid. If you need to add more than a pint or if you see leaking fluid, have a radiator repair technician test the cooling system pressure.
- When does the engine overheat?
You can help the radiator service technician pinpoint the possible cause of overheating if you can take note of the times and conditions the overheating actually occurs.
- When is the engine idling: Is the cooling fan for the radiator working properly? How about the conditioner condenser fan? The air conditioning compressor will require the cooling fan to operate at idle as long as the compressor is on, especially at idle and low speeds.
- While the engine is operating at driving speed: Is there enough hot anti-freeze circulating? Airflow and coolant circulation is crucial at 55 MPH as the radiator is the primary heat exchange for the engine. If overheating is occurring while driving at normal speeds, check for a restriction in the system like a kinked radiator hose, or a stuck thermostat.
For an overheating engine, schedule a professional radiator service. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 or go online to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
The cold days of winter are approaching fast. Many drivers don't understand that even though the temperatures are low, it doesn't mean your radiator can't overheat. It is more important than ever to give your vehicle a radiator service before winter's cold temperatures are here to stay. The hot temperatures of summer may have unknowingly taken a toll on your vehicle's cooling system and you're headed for a major radiator repair.
To help prevent major radiator repair because of an overheating engine, here are two issues to watch out:
- What is the level of coolant/antifreeze?
When the engine is cool, remove the radiator cap to check the level of the fluid. If you need to add more than a pint or if you see leaking fluid, have a radiator repair technician test the cooling system pressure.
- When does the engine overheat?
You can help the radiator service technician pinpoint the possible cause of overheating if you can take note of the times and conditions the overheating actually occurs.
- When is the engine idling: Is the cooling fan for the radiator working properly? How about the conditioner condenser fan? The air conditioning compressor will require the cooling fan to operate at idle as long as the compressor is on, especially at idle and low speeds.
- While the engine is operating at driving speed: Is there enough hot anti-freeze circulating? Airflow and coolant circulation is crucial at 55 MPH as the radiator is the primary heat exchange for the engine. If overheating is occurring while driving at normal speeds, check for a restriction in the system like a kinked radiator hose, or a stuck thermostat.
For an overheating engine, schedule a professional radiator service. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 or go online to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
