Any vehicle needs a small amount of maintenance to prepare for Autumn and the changes in the weather that this season brings. One important aspect of car maintenance during this season is to check the performance of the radiator. Your radiator has an important role to play in your vehicle, and keeping this up and running is very important. But what are the steps for preparing your car radiator for Autumn? And what are the tasks you should be sure to carry out?
Why is preparing your car radiator for Autumn important?
It’s important to consider the changing temperatures that occur between Summer and Autumn, and to prepare your vehicle, and the radiator, for these changes. With colder mornings and warmer afternoons, and more wet weather typically here in the North West, Autumn weather can put extra stress on your vehicle’s radiator. In fact, not taking care of your radiator at this time of year can ultimately lead to problems including overheating, engine damage, and costly repairs.
How can you prepare your car radiator for autumn?
There are a number of steps you can take to prepare your car radiator for the Autumn. These include:
- Checking the level of coolant- The first thing you should do when preparing your car radiator for Autumn is to check the level of coolant in your radiator. If you are running low on coolant you should be sure to add more of the type recommended by your car manufacturer. This is because running out of coolant can cause problems for your radiator and engine, and lead to problems like overheating.
- Inspecting the vehicle for leaks- You should also be sure to look for any visible signs of coolant leaks around the radiator, hoses, and connections. After the summer months, leaks can be a much more common issue, because of the hotter weather. If you do find signs of a leak, be sure to address these quickly and effectively to prevent coolant loss and potential damage to your vehicle.
- Testing the thermostat- Another important step to take is to test the thermostat. This is responsible for regulating the flow of coolant through your radiator, and so if this is not functioning correctly, it can cause overheating of the engine, or poor heating within the car. To test it, start your car and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature. Then feel the upper radiator hose. This should become hot as the thermostat opens. If it doesn’t, consider hiring a professional radiator team, like us here at MRS, to take a look and make repairs or replacements.
- Inspect radiator hoses- Radiator and coolant hoses can suffer from wear and tear over time, and so it’s important to check these at the beginning of Autumn. Any hoses that do show signs of damage or wear and tear will need to be replaced to prevent potential leaks and damage.
- Testing the heater- Because Autumn brings cooler weather, you will likely be using the car’s heater more frequently. As a result, it’s important to turn on your car’s heater to ensure it’s working correctly. If you notice weak or inconsistent heat, it may indicate a problem with your radiator or heating system that needs attention.
Here at MRS Heat Transfer we are radiator, car heater, oil cooler, and air conditioning experts, and we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to resolve any air conditioning or car heater problem. Why not get in touch today to find out more?