Here at Old Hickory Car Care Center, we are dedicated to keeping our Jackson drivers on the road, and a radiator issue can bring your vehicle to a halt quickly! Every liquid-cooled engine relies on a radiator to prevent overheating, which could lead to severe engine damage. Seeing steam coming from under the hood is never a good sign, so maintaining your cooling system is crucial. While radiator materials, designs, and efficiencies have evolved, their basic function has remained unchanged for over a century.

How Your Radiator Works

The radiator plays a simple yet vital role in your vehicle’s cooling system. Coolant flows through the engine, absorbing heat, and then moves into the top of the radiator. Here, the coolant passes through narrow passageways designed to slow its flow and dissipate heat more effectively. Thin metal fins increase the surface area, helping to cool the liquid faster. As air moves through the radiator—either from the vehicle’s motion or the cooling fan—it rapidly cools the fluid before it returns to the engine, maintaining an optimal temperature and preventing overheating.

What Can Go Wrong?

Radiators are durable, but like all parts, they can fail over time. When they do, Old Hickory Car Care Center is ready to help. Here are some common issues that can lead to radiator failure:

• Debris in the System: Contaminants like rust or sludge can accumulate in the cooling system, clogging the small passageways in the radiator. While a coolant flush might solve this issue, severe cases may require a full radiator replacement.

• Damage: Radiators are sensitive to physical damage. Whether it’s due to front-end collisions, engine repairs, or just wear and tear, even a small puncture or internal collapse can lead to leaks. Since radiators are under constant pressure, they can eventually break down with age.

• Overheating: Radiators can both cause and be damaged by overheating. Overheated coolant may increase pressure inside the radiator, leading to leaks or other failures. If your engine overheats, it's crucial to have your radiator inspected or replaced if needed.

Radiator Maintenance

At Old Hickory Car Care Center, we focus on helping you avoid radiator failures through proper maintenance. The most critical part of this is coolant servicing. Regular coolant flushes, as recommended by our technicians, help prevent clogs and ensure your cooling system is performing at its best. This helps reduce the risk of overheating and radiator failure.

It’s also essential to keep other cooling system components, like the thermostat and hoses, in good working order. If your engine consistently runs hot, it can shorten the lifespan of your radiator. Be vigilant for signs of leaks or overheating, and let us know immediately if you spot any issues. If you notice fluid under your vehicle that’s not from your air conditioner, it could be a sign of a radiator problem.

Radiator Replacement Services

While we do not perform radiator repairs, our team at Old Hickory Car Care Center is highly skilled in radiator replacements. If your radiator has failed or sustained damage beyond repair, we’ll quickly and efficiently install a new one to get you back on the road.

For all your vehicle’s maintenance and repair needs, trust Old Hickory Car Care Center in Jackson. Our team of highly trained technicians is committed to providing exceptional service. Stop by or call us today for quality care from a team that puts your needs first.

Content, including images, displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited