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Your Chevy’s radiator is essential for controlling your engine temperature. A car’s engine is a very hot place due to the heat generated by combustion and the constant movement of thousands of parts. Without an effective cooling system, your car’s engine can easily overheat and suffer serious damage. A radiator, like any other component, can get damaged. As your Chevy dealer, we’re here to help you when you need a radiator repair.
Jammed Thermostat
When your engine temperature rises over 180F, liquid coolant is released into your engine to lower the temperature. This coolant is a mix of antifreeze and water, and it can absorb heat as it travels through your engine. The hot coolant is pumped into your car’s radiator, where it’s cooled by air flowing in through the radiator grille. The coolant is then recirculated through your engine again until the temperature drops.
The release of coolant is governed by a small component called the thermostat. This small valve opens when the engine temperature reaches a pre-set point, which is usually between 180F and 200F. If your thermostat fails, it will jam in either an open or closed position. If the thermostat jams closed, it won’t release any coolant and your engine temperature will rapidly rise.
Damaged Radiator Fins
When the hot coolant flows into your radiator, it’s diverted into parallel rows of thin aluminum tubes that look like fins. Cool air blowing in through the radiator as your car moves blows across these tubes to remove the heat from the coolant. These fins create a larger surface area and allow for faster and more efficient cooling of the liquid.
The fins are made from aluminum which allows for faster cooling than steel, but it also makes them susceptible to damage. Grit, sand, and any small debris from the surface can easily bend or damage them. If enough of the tubes are damaged, this can block the radiator and prevent the hot coolant from being cooled. Your engine temperature will start to rise. If the fins are damaged, we would need to replace your radiator.
Engine Temperature Rises
It’s not unusual for your engine temperature to temporarily rise due to hot weather or if your car is pulling a heavy load. Under normal circumstances, your car’s cooling system will quickly reduce the temperature. If your engine temperature continues to climb, this is a sign that there’s a problem with your cooling system.
Some of the causes of a cooling system problem are a lack of coolant due to a leak, damaged radiator fins, or even a damaged thermostat. A rising temperature can easily lead to an overheated engine. To prevent this, it’s advisable to pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so and then call our service department. Our technicians will examine the system and find the cause of the problem.
If your radiator doesn’t seem to be working correctly, call us immediately at Ed Martin Chevrolet.
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