Cooling System Service
A radiator is one of the most important operating components of your automobile. First and foremost, it is responsible for keeping the engine at a temperature safe for operation. If a radiator breaks down, it could be big trouble for you if you do not take care of the issue immediately.
Radiator problems can often develop with small particles of dirt and rust clogging up the essential elements, preventing the radiator from being able to cool your engine properly. If this happens, your car will overheat and possibly break down. A great way in avoiding such problem is with regular routine maintenance and service. Being aware will help you catch minor car radiator problems before they become major ones.
At Arios Auto Repair, we are fully equiped to maintain your radiator , making the maintenance, repair, or replacement of your car radiator as easy and stress-free as it can possibly be. We are always available here to assist you in any way when it comes to diagnosing problems with your radiator, repairing damage, or installing a new one.
Questions & Answers
1. What does a coolant color represent?
2. Is filling the radiator with un-diluted anti-freeze during cold weather a good thing to do?
3. What are the consequences of an engine overheating?
4. What happens if I ignore the hot warning lamp and continue driving?
5. What causes a radiator to overheat?
6. Do I need to call for an appointment or can I just walk in?
1. What does a coolant color represent?
Yellow: Valvoline G-05, CelCool, Ford Truck factory fill
Red-Orange or “Strawberry” Red: Detroit Diesel PowerCool Plus, Texaco & CAT ELC, and International & GMC Truck factory fill.
Fuchsia: FleetCharge, DDC PowerCool, CAT DEAC, factory fill at Mack and Freightliner.
Green: Many fully-formulated brands including Prestone HD, factory fill at KW & PB, unfortunately easily confused with conventional automotive.
Blue: Cummins-Fleetguard Compleat.
2. Is filling the radiator with un-diluted anti-freeze during cold weather a good thing to do?
Many drivers think that with the arrival of cold weather they should fill their cooling systems with 100% antifreeze in order to achieve maximum freeze protection. We call it the “more-is-better syndrome. People should be aware that every brand of quality engine coolant is blended to be mixed 50/50 with water. This mix will provide the best corrosion protection, and it will protect against freezing to -34 ° F.
3. What are the consequences of an engine overheating?
When the engine overheats, it will start to detonate. The engine will start pinging and losing power under load. The hammer-like blows may damage the rings, pistons or rod bearings. Overheating can also cause preignition. Hot spots develop inside the combustion chamber that become a source of ignition for the fuel. The erratic combustion can cause detonation as well as engine run-on in older vehicles with carburetors. Hot spots can also be very damaging and burn holes right through the top of pistons. Another consequence of overheating may be a blown head gasket. Heat makes aluminum swell almost three times faster than cast iron.
4. What happens if I ignore the hot warning lamp and continue driving?
A hot warning lamp should never be ignored. If the light comes on while driving, stop the car and turn off the engine. If you ignore it and continue driving, the coolant will get hot enough to boil to the point of causing old hoses or an age weakened radiator to burst under the increased pressure. Pistons may swell up and scuff or seize in their bores, causing serious engine damage. Exhaust valve stems may stick or scuff in their guides. This, in turn, may cause valves to hang open which can damage pistons, valves and other valvetrain components. And if coolant gets into the crankcase, you can kiss the bearings and bottom end of the engine goodbye.
5. What causes a radiator to overheat?
A radiator can fail for one or more of the following reasons: Low coolant level, loss of coolant (through internal or external leaks), poor heat conductivity inside the engine because of accumulated deposits in the water jackets, a defective thermostat that doesn’t open, poor airflow through the radiator, a slipping fan clutch, an inoperative electric cooling fan, a collapsed lower radiator hose, an eroded or loose water pump impeller or even a defective radiator cap.
6. Do I need to call for an appointment or can I just walk in?
Yes you can call us at 425.774.4646 or click here to email us. We pride ourselves in being the top auto mechanic shop in the Lynnwood, Seattle area.