Radiating Information About Your Car’s Radiator -- West Automotive Group
Many drivers dream of someday owning a "hot" car, one that is powerful and sporty. But in reality, every vehicle is a hot car--just not necessarily of the desirable sort. To help control the heat, your auto has a cooling system whose star is the radiator. Therefore, as you might imagine, if you're having radiator trouble, you must have it fixed as soon as possible. West Automotive Group in Miramar, California, is your number one shop for radiator repair. Our certified technicians are well versed in all makes and models of vehicles. We've been in business since 1993, proving our dedication to our customers and accurate auto repair.
How does it work?
Unless your auto is all-electric, it gets its power from a combustion engine. Combustion engines are powered by a fuel that produces small controlled explosions that power the vehicle when combined with air and a spark. As you might guess, this process of making power generates a tremendous amount of heat. If your car didn't have a way of reducing its temperature, it would soon have a meltdown. Fortunately, automobiles are equipped with radiators as part of their cooling systems. Usually located at the front of the vehicle, the radiator is a heat exchange device.
Coolant circulates through the engine, absorbing heat that needs to be removed. The hot coolant then goes through the tubes of the radiator. These tubes have fins to allow for as much surface exposure to the cooler outside air as possible. The tubes’ interior also has agitators to ensure that the hot fluid is stirred such that it makes maximum contact with the metal surfaces that can dissipate the heat. The hot pressurized fluid causes the radiator cap to open, allowing heat to be released and excess coolant to be sent into the overflow tank beside the radiator. As the fluid cools, it is returned to the radiator when it can be recirculated to the engine to absorb more heat.
When might it need repair?
Although radiators usually work well for a long time, they are not immune to problems. The most commonly reported issue is leaking. This is critical because fluid can escape, leaving your auto lacking the coolant it needs to rid itself of heat. Tiny pinhole leaks can develop when corrosion or rust eats through the little tubes. Interestingly, this is caused by failure to keep the coolant topped off. Rock strikes or collision damage can breach the radiator, as well. A leaking radiator needs repair, and it could need replacing. Once you detect a leak, bring your vehicle to West Automotive Group in Miramar, California. We'll check your radiator and help you determine your best course.
