Livingston Service Centre

Your local mechanic, backed by Repco.

How Cool is Your Engine?

The Cooling System: An Overview

A vehicle's cooling system is made up of various parts that maintain and regulate the engine's temperature irrespective of environmental temperature and different operating conditions such as road speed. Drastic alterations in the engine's ideal operational temperature could potentially cause severe engine damage.

Modern vehicles often employ engine technologies that rely significantly on the engine temperature to reduce emissions. Hence, you might find late-model cars with engines operating at a temperature higher by 20 degrees or more compared to older engines.

No matter what vehicle you drive, it's crucial to ensure that your cooling system is in prime condition to avoid costly breakdowns.

At Livingston Service Centre, we can provide you with crucial knowledge such as identifying the difference between your radiator and overflow tank, knowing the appropriate coolant to use to top up your radiator, and detecting early warning signs such as discoloured coolant or unexpected drips on your driveway.

radiator being filled with fresh coolant

Here are some commonly asked questions about Radiators

What causes a radiator to fail?

Radiator failure can occur due to a variety of reasons, including corrosion, damaged cooling fins, blocked radiator cores, or even faulty manufacturing. Extended usage or the constant flow of harsh, dirty, or rusty coolant can corrode the metal, causing leaks or inefficiency. Additionally, radiator failure can be caused by external factors such as debris or accidental damage to the fins, impeding the heat exchange process.

What is a radiator flush?

A radiator flush, also known as a coolant flush, is a process performed to clean the car's cooling system. This process removes old coolant, dirt, and rust deposits that have accumulated over time, ensuring the cooling system operates at peak efficiency. A radiator flush involves pushing a specialized cleaning solution through the cooling system, followed by fresh coolant, to optimize performance and extend the radiator's lifespan.

What happens if I don't replace my leaking radiator?

If you don't replace a leaking radiator, you risk severe damage to your car's engine. Radiators play a vital role in preventing engines from overheating, thus a leaking radiator compromises this cooling ability. Consequently, your engine can overheat, which may lead to significant, costly damage, including engine failure. Additionally, continuous leakage could drain the coolant to dangerously low levels, impacting the overall vehicle performance.

Whether you are unsure about your coolant levels or just want a reliable automotive expert to provide thorough car servicing, choose Livingston Service Centre. We pride ourselves on providing an array of professional services to ensure your vehicle runs at its best, always.

Remember, the health of your coolant system is paramount to the overall functionality of your vehicle - get it checked by our trusted mechanics today!