Although it seems like the hot summer would be the most punishing season for auto parts on a car or truck, wintertime with its freezing temperatures is actually the most dangerous time of the year for your car’s radiator. That means it’s also the most dangerous time of the year for your wallet since a faulty or leaking radiator can lead to overheating and engine damage, necessitating expensive repairs.
The radiator’s job is to keep the engine’s temperature regulated by circulating coolant through the engine. Coolant also keeps the internal parts of the engine lubricated so that they work smoothly. Engines produce heat while running and, in extremely cold temperatures, can have to work even harder for optimum performance, increasing the possibility of overheating. Coolant absorbs the heat created by the engine and passes it back through the radiator where it is cooled off. This continuous cycle regulates your engine temperature and protects your car of truck from overheating.
How winter negatively impacts your radiator
Cold weather can create multiple problems with a vehicle, including low tire pressure, difficulty starting with a cold battery, thickening auto fluids, and a failing radiator. Extreme cold can make metals and liquids expand and contract and also cause brittleness in plastic or rubber radiator hoses, leading to cracks and leaks. Hose connections that contract with the cold can crack and become loose and leak if clamps are not secure enough between the working parts of your car’s cooling system, which includes the radiator, coolant reserve tank, water pump, hoses, thermostat, and radiator fan. When one part of the cooling system goes down, it can impact the performance of other parts and ultimately cause overheating and engine damage. Concerns for radiators in winter include:
· Radiator corrosion can result from months of exposure to salt on icy roads.
· Debris like road slush, mud, bugs, and leaves can clog the radiator vents, prohibiting the flow of coolant.
· Plastic and aluminum radiators are more at risk for damage from freezing temperatures than steel radiators.
· An improper coolant mix can allow radiator fluid to partially freeze, impairing overall function. Efficient engine coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and distilled water that you can buy pre-mixed or make your own with a 50/50 or 70/30 solution of antifreeze and distilled water. Check your car’s owner’s manual for the best product mixture for your car.
Five ways to protect your radiator in winter and all year long
Luckily, you’re not entirely at the mercy of Mother Nature or Old Man Winter. Here are five tips for protecting your radiator in any climate.
· Regularly check the coolant level and top it off if it’s low. If it repeatedly registers low, check for leaks. Especially If you see drips or puddles of coolant on the garage floor or driveway, have your cooling system checked. Other hints of radiator trouble can be a sweet-smelling burning odor, rising temperature gauge, and issues with the heating or A/C. Antifreeze (main ingredient ethylene glycol) is deadly to pets and humans if ingested so immediately clean up any spilled fluid.
· Do a radiator flush as recommended by your auto manufacturer to remove any internal scale build-up in tubes and hoses, generally ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 miles or two to five years. If you do extensive driving, you may need to flush the radiator more often to keep fresh coolant circulating in your vehicle. Coolant should be the bright color you bought, if it’s turned brownish it’s degraded and less effective and should be replaced.
· Keep the radiator’s air flow unimpeded by keeping its fins/vents clear of debris by hosing off and gently brushing away any accumulated leaves, dead bugs, dust, and dirt.
· Regular service for the whole cooling system is important, so check the condition of the hoses, thermostat, and other parts of the cooling system and replace any parts that are showing signs of wear. Pre-summer and pre-winter servicing should eliminate any nasty surprises on the road.
· Protect every part of your vehicle by parking in the garage, especially in extreme cold or heat. Another protective option is a vehicle cover that will help trap in the heat of your car or truck and insulate your engine and radiator from debilitating cold.
LKQ Online has high-quality used radiators and accessories
If you are faced with needing to replace a damaged radiator, LKQ Online can help you find the perfect used radiator or new aftermarket radiator for your needs. Take the guesswork out of replacing any cooling system elements, including thermostats, water pumps, hoses, radiators, or radiator conditioner fan motors from our inventory of new aftermarket and used auto parts. You can trust LKQ as the best online choice for top-quality replacement parts for your car, truck, SUV, or minivan while saving time and money with our promise of guaranteed fit, free standard warranties, and fast shipping.