Your radiator is an essential part of your car’s cooling system. It reduces the heat generated by your engine by exchanging it for cooler outside air. If your radiator shows signs that it’s not working in Silver Spring, MD, it’s important to bring it to us at DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring ASAP. These are some of the reasons why you need a radiator repair.
Overheating Engine
Your radiator is responsible for controlling the temperature in your engine. It is a major part of your car’s cooling system. A car’s engine operates at a temperate of 185℉ to 220℉, and the cooling system helps prevent your engine from overheating. Coolant is circulated through the engine, where it absorbs the heat and transports it to the radiator for cooling.
In the radiator, the heat from the coolant is exchanged for cool air drawn in through the radiator grille. The coolant is recirculated through your engine to continue the process. If your radiator isn’t working, your engine temperature will rapidly rise. Sustained high temperatures can cause serious, long-term damage to your engine.
Damaged Transmission
A damaged radiator will lead to transmission problems, as the transmission fluid is cooled by your engine’s cooling system. The transmission is filled with fluid. This fluid helps to lubricate the parts in the transmission, provide hydraulic support for the gears, and control the temperature in the transmission. The transmission temperature is high due to the continuous movement of hundreds of fast-moving parts, many of which rely on friction to work correctly.
The transmission fluid that circulates through the transmission also absorbs heat. To remove this heat, the fluid passes through the transmission heat exchanger. This component is surrounded by pipes transporting engine coolant, and the coolant absorbs the heat from the transmission fluid. Without a working radiator, your transmission is also in danger of overheating.
Car Heater Doesn’t Work
This isn’t a problem that you’ll notice in a Maryland summer, but as fall turns to winter, the temperature will drop. When it’s cold and you need to warm the cabin, a working heater is essential. The heater core is a mini radiator attached to your radiator that provides hot air for the cabin. You’ll easily be able to tell it’s failing if you turn on the heater and you get tepid or even cool air blowing through it.
Coolant circulates through the heater core just like it does through the radiator. This coolant absorbs dirt and debris from the engine, and over time this debris can build up and clog the heater core. Our technicians can check the heater core and replace it if it’s damaged.
A damaged radiator can, as we’ve seen, cause serious damage to your car. These are just a few possible problems caused by a worn or damaged radiator. If your radiator isn’t working correctly, schedule a service at our DARCARS Lexus service center. Our expert technicians will find and fix the cause of the problem for you. Now that you’ve learned about your radiator, why stop there? Keep reading more tips and tricks today!
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