What Should You Do If You Have a Damaged Radiator?
A modern-day engine would not last very long without the sophisticated cooling system fitted to all vehicles. After all, temperatures can reach quite incredible levels when the vehicle is in motion, and those temps would quickly start to melt some of the internal components leading to rapid failure. So as a vehicle owner, you know how important it is to maintain that cooling system, and every now and again, you may need to make some repairs. What's the most vulnerable part of the entire system, how can issues arise, and what should you do if you encounter a problem?
How the System Works
The typical cooling system has several components. To begin with, the engine block is machined and contains a number of passages through which the coolant can flow. The coolant is supplied to the engine through hard and flexible pipes connected to a forward-facing radiator and an expansion tank.
Close to the radiator is a thermostat. In modern times, these can be electronically controlled, but the thermostat's job is to open or close when a given temperature is reached. So, the thermostat will keep the coolant in place when the engine is relatively cold rather than passing it through to the radiator. This will help the engine warm up more quickly. When the engine becomes hot, the thermostat will open, allowing the coolant to flow through to the radiator for processing.
Why Is the Radiator so Important?
As you can see, the radiator has a crucial role, in so far as it helps to move all that unwanted heat. To achieve this job, the coolant is pumped through the tiny tubes and fins that make up the radiator matrix. This matrix is exposed to passing air when the vehicle is in motion, absorbing the heat and lowering the temperature as a result.
How Damage Occurs
Unfortunately, the radiator is prone to damage due to its location. Passing stones can easily puncture the outside, which will result in the loss of coolant. When this happens, it's important to replace the radiator as soon as possible to avoid any damage to the engine.
What You Should Do Next
If you find yourself in this situation and have a damaged radiator to contend with, get in touch with your parts supply store. It is possible to get recycled radiators with their own warranty, which may help you save some money. But at all costs, take action as soon as possible to avoid further issues.
For more info, contact a local company that has parts like Toyota spare parts.
