There are several things you should do to get your vehicle ready for the summer. The most important thing is to have your radiator checked by a professional mechanic.
What does a vehicle radiator do?
When your vehicle is running, it pumps coolant through the engine to prevent it from overheating. The coolant then receives heat and carries it away from the engine. Then the heat generated by the engine is taken by the coolant and moves it to the radiator, which then blows air across the coolant, cooling it down. This process works by the radiator passing coolant through thin metal fins, which causes the heat to flow to the outside air around your vehicle.
Are all vehicle radiators the same?
Radiators come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the make or model of your vehicle. Some radiators use a fan to assist blowing cool air across the engine, but not all. No matter the design of the radiator, the functions are primarily the same.
Why should you have your radiator checked before the summertime?
Summer heat is tough on vehicles’ cooling systems. In fact, sitting in traffic on a super hot day is one of the most common reasons vehicles overheat in the summer. When there’s no air flowing across your engine, it’s more likely to overheat. If your radiator is run down or not functioning properly, or if you are low on coolant, or have a broken fan belt, overheating on a hot day is almost guaranteed. For these reasons, it’s essential to have your radiator checked by a professional mechanic so that your vehicle is prepared for the heat.
To ensure your radiator is in top working order and ready for the hot days of summer, come into Quality Lube Plus. We can help with all your summer vehicle prep!