Radiator Maintenance for Longevity in Your Buick or GMC Vehicle

Combustion produces large quantities of heat, and the radiator acts as a heat exchanger to remove this heat by replacing it with cooler outside air. The radiator and the rest of the cooling system operate under high pressure and in high-temperature conditions. Over time this can cause damage to the system. As your Buick dealer and GMC dealer, we’d like you to know a few signs that you need to visit us for a radiator repair.

Signs You Need a Radiator Repair at Your GMC Dealer or Buick Dealer

Engine Temperature Rising

The temperature gauge on your dash gives you a heads-up on your engine temperature. As you accelerate, the engine temperature will rise and the cooling system will speed up to reduce the temperature again. Although your engine works most effectively at a temperature between 185 F and 230 F, this sustained heat level will damage sensitive engine components like gaskets and seals.

If your engine temperature rises for no apparent reason and continues to climb, this is a sign of danger. An engine can suffer serious, even fatal damage if the temperature isn’t reduced. We advise pulling over as soon as it’s safe to do so and contacting us right away. Our expert technicians will find the cause of the problem and repair it.

Damaged Radiator Fan

Liquid coolant is pumped through the engine and absorbs heat as it moves. This heat is trapped inside the coolant and transported to the radiator. Inside the radiator, the flow of cool air through the radiator grille removes the heat from the coolant.

When you’re idling, airflow through the grille is very restricted. In this situation, the radiator fan at the back of the radiator switches and blows the heat inside the coolant out through the radiator grille. If the radiator fan fails, your engine will start to overheat any time the engine is idling.

Coolant Leaks

A coolant leak is generally very easy to spot as coolant is available in bright colors like pink, blue, and green. If you have a coolant leak, we advise that you contact our service department ASAP. If you drive while your engine is leaking coolant, your engine can rapidly overheat.

A coolant leak can be caused by a rusted radiator, a leaking radiator hose, or a damaged radiator cap. We’ll examine your cooling system, find the cause of the trouble, and fix it.

If your radiator is worn or damaged, contact us today at Schepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN.

Posted in Merrillville Buick Service, Merrillville GMC Service, Schepel Buick GMC Service | No Comments »