New car owners rarely have problems with their engine overheating but if you drive an older car, then you know that the radiator can become congested with rust and stop working. This is especially true in warm regions like south Florida. The heat and humidity can cause a car to overheat especially if you get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic each day during your commute.
Your auto’s temperature is maintained through a combination of cooling fans, the radiator, coolant, the thermostat, pressure cap and water pump. When one of these breaks down and stops working properly, the car can overheat. If you’ve noticed that your car stays hot too much of the time, then it’s best to have that checked out. It’s dangerous to break down on the roadside nowadays and almost any expert would agree with that. Instead of stopping to help you, it’s more likely that a passing car would stop to rob you. Law enforcement officials recommend staying inside your vehicle and dialing for roadside assistance if you break down on a highway.
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Though any of the miscellaneous components of a radiator and engine cooling system could wear out and cause problems, the radiator itself is most often the culprit. If the car is older, you can take it into a reputable auto garage and ask them to check it out. Flushing the radiator can remove rust as long as you haven’t waited too long. In some cases, drivers continue to drive their cars knowing that there is rust in the radiator and this will eventually cause additional mechanical problems.
Most manufacturers recommend changing out the coolant antifreeze regularly. This can prevent rust and other issues. Today’s high tech auto mechanics can perform a machine-powered radiator flush that will get rid of unwanted debris and leave the radiator clean. In some cases, it will be necessary to replace the radiator. If you’re driving an older car, then it’s best to have a comprehensive radiator check and/or flush done every 12,000 miles. Ask the mechanic whether they do pressure checks for leaks as well.
