Bleeding car radiators can be an essential maintenance task that can help to prevent engine damage and overheating. This is because the car radiator helps to regulate the temperature of the engine by dissipating heat from the engine coolant that passes through it. Over time, however, the radiator can become damaged, leading to leaks that can cause the engine to overheat. At this point, it might be necessary to bleed the car radiator. But what does this involve?
When does a car radiator need bleeding?
There are a number of signs and indicators that a car radiator needs to be bled. These include:
- The engine overheating- If the temperature gauge on the dashboard is reading higher than normal, or if the engine is making unusual noises, it could be a sign that the radiator needs to be bled.
- A loss of coolant- If the coolant level in the reservoir is consistently low, it could be a sign that there is a leak in the system. Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the radiator itself, a faulty radiator cap, or a damaged hose.
What does bleeding car radiators involve?
When air becomes trapped inside the radiator this can prevent the engine coolant from flowing properly, leading to overheating. Bleeding the radiator involves releasing this air so that the coolant can flow effectively around the system.
To bleed the radiator, there are a number of steps to follow, including:
- Locating the bleed valve- This is typically located on the top of the radiator and is a small valve that can be opened with a screwdriver. Once the valve is located, a towel can be placed around it to catch any coolant that may be released.
- Opening the valve and releasing the air- As the coolant flows, it may be necessary to add more coolant to the system to maintain the proper level. The valve should be left open until all of the air has been removed from the system.
- Restarting the engine- Once the bleeding process is complete, the valve can be closed, and the radiator cap can be replaced. The engine can be started again, and the temperature gauge should be monitored to ensure that the engine is not overheating.
Professional radiator repair
If bleeding your car radiator does not resolve any issues that you might be having, it may be necessary to have your car radiator checked out by a reliable team of professionals. Here at MRS Heat Transfer we are car radiator experts and we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to resolve any car radiator issue or problem. We can repair, replace and recore any radiator for any vehicle. Why not get in touch today to find out more?