What does a car radiator do?
A car radiator disperses heat away from the main engine block. A car engine works by burning fuel (whether petrol or diesel), and this generates a considerable amount of heat. In addition, a car engine has many moving parts; this movement creates friction, which in turn adds to the heat.
Because a car engine must remain not too hot in order to avoid overheating and seizure, when it reaches a certain temperature the thermostat opens to allow the flow of coolant and water around the engine and back to the radiator, where it loses heat to the cooler surrounding air. The front grill of the car allows outside air to blow over the radiator. If the radiator gets too hot, for example on a very hot day, or when the car is stationary, a fan behind the radiator starts, helping to blow air over it.
The most common reason for needing a car radiator repair is a leak. There are many seals, gaskets and hoses in the cooling system that can deteriorate or get a hole in them. Furthermore, every radiator needs to be properly maintained and the coolant must be kept topped up. Your garage should provide coolant changes at the same time as your annual service.
It’s also a good idea to check your car’s coolant level regularly. If it seems to be dropping a lot, then you may have a leak in the cooling system.
Driving in Scotland
Motorists in Scotland come up against a range of challenges. The tourism and festival hub of Edinburgh experiences the extremes of urban congestion; but drive out into the Highlands and you may find yourself squaring up against one of the herds of long-horned Highland cattle that roam freely in some areas. BookMyGarage can compare garages the length and breadth of Scotland, whether you’re negotiating Glasgow City Centre or gazing at the expanse of Loch Ness.