5 Ways to Prevent Radiator Damage During Winter

5 Ways to Prevent Radiator Damage During Winter

Your car’s radiator plays a vital role in cooling the engine. However, frigid weather and extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on the radiator and reduce its efficiency. 

One main radiator problem to look out for is overheating, which is common in winter, just like in summer. Cold weather may also freeze the coolant inside your radiator, resulting in leaks or hose rupture.

You should ensure the radiator is in excellent condition for safety and efficient performance during the cold months. Check out these five practical ways to prevent radiator damage in winter.

1. Maintain Regular Radiator Checks

Winter car radiator maintenance is vital to ensure all parts are in perfect condition. A vital radiator element to consider during the inspection is the coolant fluid. The cold weather can sometimes make the fluid cool inside the radiator and cause transmission issues.

Besides the coolant fluid, you should also check the inlet tank, outlet tank, and core to confirm everything is working well. Brush off any sign of rust and replace the radiator if it’s old. Also, ensure there is no leakage or signs of overheating.

2. Don’t Overload the Vehicle

Overload seriously threatens your car’s radiator because it causes overheating. When your vehicle carries more weight than it should, your engine overworks, and the radiator becomes overloaded with cooling the engine. Excess heat may also overheat the radiator.

Don’t overload your vehicle in winter if you are traveling for a long distance. Observe your manufacturer’s recommendation on weight, and remember to take your car for radiator winter repair when necessary.

3. Flush the Radiator

Rust and scale deposits can quickly build up on your radiator during winter. Flushing helps remove those deposits to keep your radiator clean and free from overheating. If your car is more than two years old and you have never flushed the radiator, take your car for radiator winter maintenance to have it flushed.

The process involves using a non-corrosive cleaner to flush off the debris and should leave your car’s radiator working as well as new.

4. Use the Correct Coolant and Water Mixture

According to the Automotive Training Center, the recommended coolant ratio is 60% antifreeze and 40% water. The ratio can be adjusted to 70% coolant and 30% water in icy areas. Carefully observe the mixture of the coolant you use on your radiator to maintain optimum performance.

5. Examine the Caps and Hoses

Radiator caps and hoses need regular examination, especially if you travel many miles per day in winter. The main signs that the radiator cap is damaged are leakage and engine overheating. However, the cap or the hose may collapse due to overworking, so regular inspection is necessary. Don’t forget to replace the parts if they are old.

Get Professional Radiator Winter Repair

A radiator eliminates excess heat from the car engine, and its failure could affect the regular operation of your car. Overheating, among other issues, could slow or stop your radiator’s performance, so it’s advisable to observe regular repair and maintenance.

At Auto Truck Service Inc, we are committed to helping you maintain your car’s optimum performance through repair and maintenance. Contact our team today to schedule an inspection and ensure your radiator works well this winter.

Categorised in: Vehicle Maintenance