Important Tips on Why to Check Your Radiator
So, why is it important to check your radiator and fluid levels of your car? Because you simply have to, especially if you want to avoid being stranded somewhere you don't want to be stranded, catch my drift? But also if you want to think about your wallet and avoid thousands of dollars in auto repair bills.
Checking your radiator for any leaks or damages is simpler than most people think, and not a 100% their fault.
With that said, lets jump into it.
First things first, make sure the engine has cooled down.
You do this by either letting the car sit overnight or by lightly tapping on the radiator cap to check how hot the engine really is (recommended to check the car when it has been completely cooled down).
So once you know the engine is cold you can go ahead and remove the radiator cap (very slowly, safety is the number one concern).
Look inside the radiator, you should see greenish antifreeze fluid, if you don't your radiator is low on coolant.
If you are low, go ahead and fill it up to the top with regular water.
Loss of fluid is normal for any vehicle, so don't worry.
Now moving on, check the reservoir located to the right or left of the radiator, make sure that the fluid level is normal, if not, fill up to the level indicator.
Now take look around the radiator hoses and radiator to make sure there are no rust stains, (rust stains indicate leaking water).
Lastly, make sure the hose clamps on the radiator hoses are tight and you are done.
See how simple? By just taking this simple precaution every month, you can maintain your cars radiator and the life of your vehicle overall.
Tips: - Anitfreeze comes in a 50/50 mixture and concentrate.
Usually the concentrate to water ratio is 1/1 and 50/50 mixture should be used as is, no mixture with water or pure antifreeze.
- A radiator flush is recommended every 15,000 miles as a regular maintenance.
(Helps keep the radiator clean for free flow of water).
- Be aware of the gauges on the dashboard, they are there to warn us.
If the temperature gauge shoots up to "H" you know something is wrong, STOP and take immediate action to prevent further engine damage.
Checking your radiator for any leaks or damages is simpler than most people think, and not a 100% their fault.
With that said, lets jump into it.
First things first, make sure the engine has cooled down.
You do this by either letting the car sit overnight or by lightly tapping on the radiator cap to check how hot the engine really is (recommended to check the car when it has been completely cooled down).
So once you know the engine is cold you can go ahead and remove the radiator cap (very slowly, safety is the number one concern).
Look inside the radiator, you should see greenish antifreeze fluid, if you don't your radiator is low on coolant.
If you are low, go ahead and fill it up to the top with regular water.
Loss of fluid is normal for any vehicle, so don't worry.
Now moving on, check the reservoir located to the right or left of the radiator, make sure that the fluid level is normal, if not, fill up to the level indicator.
Now take look around the radiator hoses and radiator to make sure there are no rust stains, (rust stains indicate leaking water).
Lastly, make sure the hose clamps on the radiator hoses are tight and you are done.
See how simple? By just taking this simple precaution every month, you can maintain your cars radiator and the life of your vehicle overall.
Tips: - Anitfreeze comes in a 50/50 mixture and concentrate.
Usually the concentrate to water ratio is 1/1 and 50/50 mixture should be used as is, no mixture with water or pure antifreeze.
- A radiator flush is recommended every 15,000 miles as a regular maintenance.
(Helps keep the radiator clean for free flow of water).
- Be aware of the gauges on the dashboard, they are there to warn us.
If the temperature gauge shoots up to "H" you know something is wrong, STOP and take immediate action to prevent further engine damage.
