Overheating Engine: Why Your Car’s Radiator is Boiling

“Driving like a horse, stopping like…a dead engine,” sighed Tuan, a long-time truck driver in Long Bien, Hanoi, recalling a frustrating incident while delivering goods to Son Tay. He was cruising on Thang Long Highway when his truck suddenly “fell ill,” with smoke billowing from the engine compartment. The culprit? A boiling radiator – a common “disease” that every driver has encountered. So, what causes a car’s radiator to boil over, and how should you handle it? Let’s explore with Hanoi Trucks!

Overheating car radiator

The Radiator: Your Engine’s Liver

The car radiator plays a vital role in the engine cooling system. It acts like the human liver, regulating temperature and ensuring stable engine operation. As the engine runs, the temperature rises, and the coolant in the radiator absorbs this heat. The coolant then circulates through the engine to cool it down.

However, when the radiator malfunctions, its cooling capacity diminishes, leading to overheating, boiling, and potentially severe engine damage.

Why Does a Radiator Boil Over?

Several factors can cause a car radiator to boil over. The most common include:

• Low Coolant Level: This is the most frequent cause. Insufficient coolant reduces cooling capacity, leading to overheating.
• Malfunctioning Cooling Fan: The cooling fan helps cool the radiator. If it’s broken or inefficient, the radiator won’t cool down quickly enough, causing boiling.
• Faulty Thermostat: The thermostat regulates coolant flow. If it’s stuck closed, coolant can’t circulate through the radiator, resulting in overheating.
• Damaged Radiator Cap: The radiator cap maintains pressure in the cooling system. A faulty cap reduces pressure, causing boiling at lower temperatures.
• Coolant Leaks: Leaks can occur in hoses, the radiator, or the water pump. Leaks gradually reduce coolant levels, leading to overheating.
• Coolant Contamination in Engine Oil: This usually happens when the head gasket fails, allowing coolant to mix with oil. Contaminated oil loses its lubricating properties, causing the engine to overheat.

What to Do When Your Radiator Boils Over

If your radiator boils over, stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Pull over to a safe location: Avoid stopping in traffic.
2. Turn off the engine: Continuing to run the engine with an overheated radiator can cause serious damage.
3. Allow the engine to cool: Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as boiling coolant can cause severe burns.
4. Check and add coolant: Once the engine has cooled, open the radiator cap and add coolant if necessary.
5. Take your vehicle to a repair shop: If the problem persists after adding coolant, take your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Expert Advice

According to Nguyen Van Nam, an auto technician at Truong Hai Auto Repair in Long Bien District, Hanoi: “To prevent radiator boil-over, drivers should regularly inspect and maintain their cooling system. Checking the coolant level, cooling fan, thermostat, and other components will help identify and address potential issues early, ensuring optimal vehicle performance.”

Checking car coolant

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of coolant should I use in my car?

Use coolant specifically designed for vehicles. Avoid using tap water or well water, as they may contain impurities that can cause buildup and damage the radiator.

2. How often should I change my car’s coolant?

Change your coolant according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, coolant should be replaced every 40,000 km or 2 years.

3. Can a punctured radiator be repaired?

Depending on the location and severity of the damage, a punctured radiator might be repairable. If the damage is extensive or in a difficult-to-reach area, replacement is recommended for safety.

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Conclusion

Radiator boil-over is a common issue that can severely damage your engine. Understanding the causes and taking prompt action will help protect your vehicle. Don’t forget to visit Hanoi Trucks for more helpful information about trucks and to find your perfect vehicle!