FAQ's

2009-10-13T01:26:00.001-07:00

1. Does the model and make of car matter when choosing the radiator?
Yes. The radiator is an integral part of the engine. It keeps the engine cool. Since the car engine differs from model to model, the choice of radiator too changes depending on the car in question.

2. Where can I find the model and make of the car?
This information can be found in the emissions sticker under the hood of the car. You can also find this info on a label on the driver's door jamb. The year of manufacture is also important.

3. What about the radiator itself? How do I find the necessary details?
You would not require specific information about the radiator if you have information about the car in your hands. However, if you want to play safe, just take a few snaps and have the same in your hands when buying the radiator.

4. I have taken snaps but I get confused which part of the radiator is related to which part of the engine. How do I sort that out?
Just look at it from the driver's side point of view and the passenger side point of view. This will help you understand where the inlet and the outlet connections are located.

5. My engine makes a bubbling sound often. Is this problem related to the radiator?
The coolant may be pumped into the overflow container when the engine gets overheated. This may a cause for the bubbling sound. Check this part out before checking other parts of the engine.

6. How exactly does a radiator work?
The radiator helps the engine radiate its heat better. The radiator contains tubes and water flows through these tubes. The flowing water absorbs the heat and the engine becomes cool. This is how the radiator works.

7. How has the functioning of the radiator changed over the years?
Earlier, big tubes were used in radiators which often used to burst because of the heat. Nowadays, smaller and stronger tubes are used. Further, earlier cars used plain water. Modern cars use coolant along with the water to facilitate better control over temperature of the engine.

8. What is the coolant made of?
The modern coolant used in automobile is either ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or propylene glycol. This ensures that the engine does not become too warm or become too cold.

9. When should I check the radiator and the coolant level?
Do not check the radiator when the car is running. Do not check even if the car has been running. Give it a few hours to ensure the engine would be totally cool and so will the radiator.

10. I often hear a popping sound in the engine. Can it be related to the radiator?
Yes. An overheating engine often creates a popping sound. Check the coolant level after the engine has cooled down. The engine may get overheated because of low coolant levels in the radiator. Make sure the engine does not overheat and the problem would disappear.

11. How to stop a leak in the radiator in an emergency?
A strictly temporary remedy that must be used only in an emergency is to break an egg into the radiator.

12. Break an egg? Have I heard that right?
Yes. A hot radiator will cook the egg and it will plug the small leak. You can use this option to travel to the nearest mechanic and get your car repaired. If you can manage without using this crude remedy, then avoid it and opt for a permanent remedy.

13. What precaution should I take when getting an aftermarket radiator?
Make sure you are buying a radiator of a reputed brand and from a reputed seller. Make sure the radiator that you are buying is suitable for your car, your engine and its heating pattern.

14. Is age a factor when replacing the car radiator?
Definitely. Repairing the brand new radiator may help you extract decent performance for a few more years. On the other hand, repairing an old radiator is not advisable. It will be complex and yet will not be reliable.

15. Can I install the radiator myself? Is it advisable?
Yes. The radiator can easily be installed by a person provided the instructions are followed to the last detail. Of course, since it is your engine that is at risk, getting it done by a mechanic is always advisable.

16. The radiator is not of any use when the weather is cold, right?
Wrong. The radiator is equally useful during the hot as well as cold season. Combustion in a cold engine can have damaging effect on the metal. A radiator will ensure the engine remains uniformly warm or uniformly cool depending upon the season.

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FAQ's