The radiator is one of the most important components in your engine. It’s responsible for removing the heat generated by the engine and exchanging it for cooler outside air. A radiator is subject to high pressure and high temperatures which can take its toll over time. As your Ford dealer, we can perform any level of radiator repair you may need. These are some signs that you have a radiator problem that needs to be fixed.
Your Temperature Gauge Is Climbing
Under normal conditions, your temperature gauge should hover around the halfway point. Your engine operates efficiently at a temperature between 185 F and 220 F. If the engine temperature rises too high, coolant will be pumped through the system to remove the heat and transfer it to the radiator.
Your cooling system adjusts to your car’s speed. If the engine temperature increases, the cooling system will speed up to compensate. If you see that your temperature gauge is slowly climbing, this is a cause for concern. It suggests there’s a problem with the cooling system. We advise calling us ASAP so our technicians can investigate and fix the cause of the problem.
Damaged Radiator Fins
The front of your radiator consists of rows of thin tubes known as fins. These tubes form an important part of your car’s cooling system as they provide a large surface area for cooling. Coolant is pumped into the radiator and then separated into tubes. As you drive, cool outside air is drawn in via the radiator grille and blows across the tubes to cool the contents.
Gravel, dirt, and other debris can also blow in through the grille. These hard substances can bend the fins, as they’re made from thin aluminum. If enough fins are damaged, the radiator will become less effective at removing the heat from the coolant. This will cause your engine temperature to rise. We’ll examine the tubes and repair them or replace the radiator to solve this problem.
Broken Thermostat
The thermostat in the cooling system controls the flow of coolant. It has a preset temperature, and when this temperature is reached, the thermostat will open. Coolant will be released into your engine and pumped at speed through the system. When the engine temperature drops below the preset point, the coolant will be drawn back, and the thermostat will close.
A damaged thermostat can jam closed, which prevents the release of any coolant. Without the constant flow of coolant, your engine will rapidly overheat. Our technicians can easily replace the thermostat, and the engine temperate will return to normal.
If your engine seems hotter than it should be, call our service department ASAP at Nielsen Ford of Morristown.
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