Why Is My Car Shaking?

It’s never a fun feeling when your car starts to shake. It can happen when you speed up or even when you break. Often, this can be avoided with regular maintenance. Keep reading for the top reasons why your car is shaking and the ways to deal with it.

Top 5 reasons why your car is shaking

1. Wheel problems

A common cause of a shaking car is a problem with one or more wheels. The problem(s) could be any of the following:

  • Damaged tires or rims
  • Improper wheel alignment
  • Worn wheel bearing

2. Issues with your engine or transmission

If the shaking continues when your car is stopped or if there is noise when the car shakes, the issue could be with the engine and/or transmission. Specifically, the problems could be with a broken or loose engine, transition mount or radiator fan.

3. Tire problems

If the shaking is felt at certain speeds, your tires could be the problem.  The tires might need to be balanced. Another solution could be a tire rotation, if the tires are wearing unevenly. You also may need to inflate your tires to the proper pressure. If your tires are older or irregularly worn, you may need to get a new set.

4. Your brakes need to be repaired

If the shaking happens when you brake, the cause is possibly related to your car’s front braking mechanism. Over time, the parts on the front disc brakes can become warped from heavy wear and tear. They should be replaced around every 50,000 miles. A good tip is to have your mechanic check your pads and rotors when you get an oil change to find out whether they need to be replaced.

5. Your transmission fluid is low

If the transmission fluid level gets too low, this can cause your car to start shaking. Make sure to check it often and fill it up as required. Continuing to drive with low transmission fluid can cause permanent damage.

The timing of your car vibrations can help determine the problem

Why is my car shaking when idle?

If your car shimmies when idling, it can mean that you have loose engine mounts, which are the connections between your engine and your car’s frame. The engine mounts keep your motor attached and dampen the engine vibrations, so when the connections wear down, you can feel the vibrations.

Why is my car shaking while braking?

If your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could mean that you have warped brake rotors, worn-out brake pads or improperly lubricated guide pins. This means it’s time to take your vehicle in for maintenance.

Why is my car shaking when accelerating?

If the shaking starts when you are accelerating, there could be a few things wrong with your car:

  1. Your tires could be unbalanced.
  2. Your spark plugs could be worn out.
  3. Your lug nuts could be loose.
  4. Your inner constant velocity joint could be damaged.
  5. Your motor mount could be broken.
  6. Your axle or drive shaft could be bent.

Is it safe to drive when your car is shaking?

If you feel your car shaking when driving, it’s best for your safety and the longevity of your car to take it to a mechanic so you can sort out the problem as soon as possible.

Also, make sure you protect your car and yourself while on the road with the right auto insurance.

TIPS

Tailgating: What It Is and How to Deal with Tailgaters

If you’re on the road and you notice a driver right behind your car and way too close for comfort, this is called a tailgater. Tailgating is a factor in over 1/3 of all crashes on the road. According to a 2020 survey, 21% of responders admitted to tailgating or switching lanes quickly.

While tailgating can be annoying and dangerous behavior, there are safe ways to deal with it. Here are some tips on what to do to help prevent an accident.

What is tailgating?

Tailgating is when one car follows another too closely. It can easily lead to accidents, so it’s important to drive carefully when on the road with tailgaters. To warn the tailgater behind you that you’re slowing, tap your brake lightly a few times. If you notice a tailgater behind you, it’s best to change lanes and let them pass. 

How to deal with tailgaters

Tailgate drivers can be a very frustrating thing to experience. If you notice someone tailgating you, follow these tips on how to proceed safely:

  1. Stay calm: Keep composed to prevent emotions from getting the best of you and causing a serious accident.
  2. Keep a comfortable distance: Pay attention to the cars around you, and if one is tailgating close to you, stay far away.
  3. Let the tailgater pass: If the tailgater is behind you, switch lanes or even pull over to let them pass.
  4. Maintain your speed: Stay consistent with your speed so that other drivers can safely pass if they must. Using cruise control when conditions allow, is a way to keep your speed predictable for you and other drivers.

What is a safe distance between cars while driving?

Make sure to follow the 3-second rule when determining whether you or another car on the road are driving at a safe distance. The rule says that when a car in front of you passes any point, you should be able to count to 3 before you cross that same point. The more distance between cars, the more time to react.

TIPS

WHY IS TEXTING AND DRIVING DANGEROUS?

he rise of cell phones has had some unintentional and sometimes fatal consequences on America’s highways. An unsettling number of traffic casualties are related to driving while distracted, including the use of cell phones while driving, resulting in damage and loss of life.

Nine people die, and over 1,000 are wounded daily in incidents registered as distraction-related accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

Handheld cell phone use while driving tends to be highest among 16- to 24-year-old drivers.

Texting and driving are one of the most treacherous forms of distracted driving. The average text sent or read in a car takes a motorist’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. This is more than enough time to get in a life-changing crash. With so many less experienced motorists on the road using highly distracting devices, the potential for crashes-and therefore injuries and deaths-is extremely high.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP TEXTING AND DRIVING ACCIDENTS?

 

Be straightforward: Make sure new motorists comprehend that they should not use cell phones while driving.

Before new motorists get their licenses, confer how taking their eyes off the highway-even for a few glances- can cause someone harm or even death.

  • Lead by example: Set restrictions on distracted driving for new motorists and yourself. Don’t text while driving-if you are driving and you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a secure place before doing it.
  • Be engaged: Inform family and friends about the significance of driving without distractions. Take the info to your children’s schools and ask that they communicate it with pupils and parents.

Texting is one of the most perilous types of inattentive driving because it incorporates optical, manual, and mental distractions.

When drivers get behind the wheel of a vehicle, many decide to pull out their cell phones and text, which is an action that threatens and hurts thousands daily.

 

WHAT ARE THE THREE TYPES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING?

What are the hazards of texting and driving? Distractions. Anything that takes your concentration away from being an active driver counts as a distraction. Distractions are why texting and driving are so treacherous. Distractions threaten everyone around you on the highway and in your vehicle, including yourself. Texting is not the only type of inattentive driving.

The CDC says that inattentive driving falls into three classifications:

  1. Cognitive distraction: This type of distraction happens when a driver stops thinking about driving. For instance, drivers who concentrate on a discussion with a passenger have cognitive preoccupation. Your mind is on something other than driving. The effects of this influence response time to changing surroundings. Daydreaming is another kind of cognitive distraction, for instance.
  2. Manual distraction: Any time you take your hands off the wheel. Motorists who withdraw their hands from the steering wheel are manually preoccupied. For example, drivers who reach for something in the back seat of their vehicle have manual preoccupation.
  3. Visual distraction: This kind of distraction happens when drivers withdraw their eyes from the road. Drivers, for instance, who look at a cell phone to get directions are visually preoccupied.

Texting while driving involves all three distractions. Staring at a phone means at least one hand is not on the wheel. Looking at a phone means not being vigilant and attentive to surroundings. When thoughts are distracted by the content on a device, thoughts are elsewhere, while the primary attention should be on the job of driving. The risks of texting and driving result from the distractions cell phones bring to a car.

Texting and driving is one of the most treacherous types of distracted driving because it incorporates cognitive, manual, and visual distractions.

WHY DO INDIVIDUALS STILL TEXT AND DRIVE DESPITE THE DANGERS?

Even though many individuals recognize that texting and driving endanger others, many continue to do it anyway. In a study funded by AT&T, over 90 percent of the participating drivers reported they understood texting and driving was unsafe, but they did it anyway. One of the primary reasons for this conduct was thinking that they can successfully multitask.

WHY CELL PHONES BEHIND THE WHEEL ARE SO UNSAFE?

Today’s phones do much more than just make calls. They are used for texting, taking photos, amusement, navigation, and anything else. Texting on your phone is one of the most treacherous types of inattentive driving merely because it requires so much concentration. You look at your phone, considering what to type, and take your hands off the steering wheel to do it.

Some drivers believe that because cell phones are a significant part of their lives, they can text and drive. The fact is that humans cannot multitask to that extent. No one is an expert at texting and driving simultaneously, and individuals pay for these conclusions with their lives.

Looking at your phone to read or reply to a text message takes five seconds. When you’re going at 55 miles per hour, you can cross the length of a football field-all without glancing at the road. It doesn’t matter if you look up often during that time or if you’ve stopped at a red light; it takes about three seconds for your senses to concentrate again after checking your phone. There isn’t enough time to text and drive.

RISKS OF TEXTING AND DRIVING

How dangerous is texting while driving?

Other staggering statistics of the risks of texting while driving include:

  • One in five people involved in inattentive driving fatalities was not in a vehicle. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, or other circumstances outside of a car.
  • Roughly 9.7 percent of drivers use devices at any daylight moment.
  • 15 percent of injury crashes resulted from inattentive driving
  • There is a 400 percent increase in time spent with eyes off the road while texting.
  • The chance of a wreck or near-crash jumps by 95 percent when reaching for or dialing a phone.
  • AAA discovered that 12 percent of crashes involved phones

  • OTHER DANGERS TO TEXTING ON THE HIGHWAY

    Deadly results or possibly hurting someone are the most significant risks of texting and driving, but not the only ones.

    Here are some other risk factors to consider before picking up your phone behind the wheel.

    1. You are likely breaking the law: Texting and driving is illegal in most states. You can get a ticket.
    1. Your insurance can go up: If you get a ticket for distracted driving, count on skyrocketing insurance rates.
    2. You can damage your vehicle: Even if you don’t harm someone if you cause an accident while texting, you can harshly damage your car. A totaled vehicle won’t be inexpensive to fix or replace.

    It is lawful to text and drive in very few states. All other states have some form of law against it.

    In 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is not legal for any driver to text and drive. All but five of these states and territories have primary enforcement laws restricting texting while driving. That means police do not need an extra reason to pull you over and give you a ticket.

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5 EASY WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR SPRING

Preparing your car for spring can save you a lot of headaches later in the year. It can even save you money! Spring auto maintenance will get you ready for a summer filled with long drives and vacations. Whether you’re heading to the beach or your child’s ball game, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare your car for spring.

Visit a Car Wash

Spring cleaning isn’t only for your house. The winter especially can be tough on cars. Freezing temperatures and salt from the road can do real damage to your paint job, so make sure to start the season with a car wash. If you go to a carwash, spring for premium, because you won’t want to miss any nooks or crannies. If you do it yourself, make sure to add baking soda to the wash water if your car has a strong salt buildup. This will help neutralize the salt and save your paint job.

Check Your Tires

Did you know you can save money on gas by making sure your tires are filled up to the manufacturer recommended air pressure? Just by keeping the pressure regulated, your car is better able to distribute and conserve gasoline. The cold air and ice can be rough on the air pressure in your tires, so the Spring is a great time to check those tires. Make sure your tires are rotated regularly and don’t wait until you have a visible flat to fill them up. Check your tires for worn tread and make sure to replace your tires when the treading becomes too worn.

Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids

Snow can damage and wear on your windshield wipers. If your wipers are streaking, replace them. New wiper blades are inexpensive and simple to replace, so you won’t even need to pay someone to do it for you. You should also make sure to top off your windshield wiper fluid and reapply any needed windshield treatments to repel water and rain.

Check Your Battery

At the end of a long winter, you’ll want to be sure to evaluate your car’s electrical system. Many parts shops have free battery checks where you can find out just how strong your battery is.  If your battery is getting weak, you can prevent future problems by replacing it before it stops working. That way, you won’t be left stranded with a dead battery.

Change Your Oil

Regular oil changes can make all the difference in making sure your car has a long, healthy life. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for oil change intervals and oil viscosity, and make sure to change the oil filter as well. Some car shops offer fluid top offs, tire checks, battery checks, and even tire rotation included their oil change prices, so you can take care of almost all of your spring maintenance in just one stop.

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What to do When Your Brakes Fail While Driving

For better or worse, driving a car is a hypnotic activity for many people. We’ve become so used to commanding our fast, two-ton, metal vehicles every day on the way to and from work, errands, etc. that we often forget just how dangerous it can be. But nothing snaps you back into cold, hard reality like pressing your brake pedal only to find that it doesn’t work. Here we’ll go over what to do when brakes fail and you’re in a moving vehicle.

Keep in Mind What NOT to do

Safely stopping a car without working brakes requires staying calm pressure in order to maintain full control over the vehicle. Keep in mind the following factors.

    1. Do not panic. The next few moments are crucial to your safety and the safety of those around you, so breathe deeply and try to stay clear-headed.
    2. Don’t downshift too quickly. While you will want to downshift, you shouldn’t go from 4th gear to 1st in an instant. This could cause you to skid out of control.
    3. Do not turn off the car. Again, this could cause skidding. It also disables power steering or locks the steering wheel entirely, giving you less control over the situation.
    4. Do not apply the emergency brake too quickly. You will want to apply the emergency brake, but not before downshifting and pumping the brake pedal. Aggressively pulling the emergency brake could cause you to skid and lose control of the vehicle.

      What to do When Brakes Fail

      1. Take your foot off the gas.
      2. Turn on hazard lights (if you have time). If the roadway is relatively clear and you’re still in full control of the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and honk your horn to warn others around you. Even if they don’t fully understand your predicament, they will be aware to steer clear of you.
      3. Downshift SLOWLY. Turn off cruise control (if applicable) and slowly downshift to decrease momentum.
      4. Pump the brake pedal hard and fast. Most modern vehicles have dual braking systems that independently control the front and back brakes. Pumping the brakes aggressively may be enough to engage half of the brakes to slow you to a halt. This will not work if both halves of the dual system fail.
      5. Cautiously apply emergency brake. The emergency brake system won’t bring you to a halt, but it will slow you down significantly. Be sure to engage it carefully to ensure you stay in full control.
      6. (Optional) Use guard rails. If your brakes fail while moving at highway speeds toward unavoidable obstacles, it may be necessary to use the divider or guard rail to scrape the side of your car in order to slow down. When it comes down to it, your life is more important than your car.
      7. Steer yourself to safety. As the car begins to slow, steer yourself to the side of the road. Coming to a complete stop will be a relief, but you’re putting yourself and others in danger if it’s in the middle of the highway.

       

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Five Ways To Keep Your Vehicle From Being Stolen

According to a study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, vehicle thefts between 2021 and 2022 increased by a whopping 7 percent — more than one million vehicles, with a combined estimated value of $8.9 billion, were stolen last year alone.

Sadly, most of the vehicle thefts would have been prevented had drivers followed five simple steps:

1. Lock your doors

As unbelievable as it may sound, most vehicle break-ins occur when owners leave their vehicles unlocked — thieves walk up to the vehicle and open the door with any resistance. Not only do the burglars get easy access inside the vehicle, but they also have unlimited time to work and zero worries about passers-by noticing as the vehicle’s anti-theft alarm is not activated. Simply locking all the vehicle’s doors is the best way to prevent vehicle theft — it’s the first and most effective line of defense.

2. Remove the keys and close the windows

Before you shut off your vehicle, take a brief moment to close all of the windows. An open window is an invitation for a thief to reach in and unlock the door from the inside. Even a small gap, as narrow as an inch, gives professionals plenty of space to insert a tool to open the door in seconds. Roll the windows up each time your park. And don’t ever leave keys in the vehicle — put them in your pocket or purse and take them with you.

3. Park in a well-lit and visible location

Bad guys prefer to do their work in secrecy, without anyone observing them. Park your vehicle in a well-lit location free of shadows or big trees that may obstruct the view. Also, consider parking on a main street instead of behind a building, as the patrons in a crowded restaurant — dozens of additional eyes — may make a car thief uncomfortable. While parking at the extreme end of the parking lot around a hidden will keep your vehicle free of door dings, it makes theft much easier — park where your vehicle is seen.

4. Don’t leave valuables in view

Make your vehicle less attractive to thieves by keeping valuables out of view. Never leave mobile phones, other electronics (e.g., iPad), keys, or packages in plain view. Most experts suggest that these items are carried with you or locked out of sight in the truck. Hatchbacks, which don’t have separate trunks, will have cargo covers — make sure to use them. If your vehicle doesn’t have an opaque solid cover, improvise — use a large blanket or towel to cover items such as suitcases or bags.

5. Use anti-theft devices, alarms, and tracking devices

Car thieves are lazy. Make their job challenging or risky, and they will move to a more accessible or less risky target. Steering wheel locks, essentially strong steel bars that lock between the steering wheel’s spokes, make it impossible for the thief to drive the vehicle — they are inexpensive (most are about $50) and a very visible deterrent. Alarms, which trigger a loud siren when a car is entered forcefully, will cause most criminals to quit and run. And suppose a criminal manages to drive your vehicle away. In that case, GPS- and Bluetooth-based tracking devices (e.g., LoJack and Apple AirTags) are very effective in discreetly tracking your fleeing vehicle and alerting authorities to its position.

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5 reasons why your car remote is not working

All modern cars come with sophisticated remote key fobs these days which are much more convenient to use than a key – when they work that is. But when things go wrong, not only is it inconvenient, but it can cause your stress levels to go through the roof.

But don’t worry, sometimes fixing a remote is as easy as changing the battery. And even if it turns out to be something more serious.

So let’s look at the 5 most common reasons why car remotes fail and what you can do about it.

1. No power

Most remotes are powered by lithium batteries which last a long time. But at some point, the battery is going to need replacing. So if your remote becomes unresponsive, the battery is the first thing to check.

2. Needs reprogramming

To work properly, your remote needs to be paired with the receiver on the vehicle. If this becomes corrupted, the key fob will fail to operate as normal. This usually happens because of low batteries, but shock can also cause the fob to lose its pairing.

Most remotes can be reset, so check your car’s user manual for the resetting sequence. If resetting fails to solve the problem, the fob will need to be reprogrammed. This will need to be done by an automotive locksmith or main dealer.

3. Damaged transmitter or receiver

As mentioned above, your remote works by exchanging signals with a paired receiver. So if either the transmitter or receiver are damaged, your remote won’t be able to pair. This usually happens after some form of trauma such as shock or water exposure.

This can be a difficult problem to diagnose, however, since the symptoms are similar to a loss of pairing (see above). Try resetting the remote – if this fails to solve the issue, contact your local automotive locksmith.

4. Damaged components

Most remotes are designed to be shockproof, but in extreme circumstances, the components inside may be damaged. So if your remote stops working after some form of trauma, the chances are that the internal components are damaged.

In this case, it is usually more cost-effective to purchase a replacement remote from your automotive locksmith or main dealer. The replacement remote will then need to be paired with the transmitter on the vehicle.

5. Intermittent fault

Sometimes your remote only works intermittently. This is usually a sign the battery is running low and needs to be replaced, so start by replacing the battery. It is always easier to do this while the remote is still working.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, it may be due to interference with another vehicle or a faulty transmitter. Either way, you will need to contact your local automotive locksmith who should be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

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5 COMMON CAUSES OF ENGINE OIL LEAKS

Your engine oil is essential to the life of your vehicle, and one of the last things you want is an oil leak. Not only can oil leaks lead to low oil pressure, but they can also cause unnecessary wear and tear to your engine. If you’re noticing common signs of an oil leak, such as dark puddles under your vehicle or an illuminated dashboard oil light, don’t wait to fix the issue. Learn what causes engine oil leaks and how to resolve the problem with this guide.

1. LEAKING OIL FILTER

The filter is one of the most common causes of an oil leak. Ideally, the oil filter should be replaced with every oil change. If you change your oil at home, you may forget this important step or the new filter may not be installed properly. If you’re wondering how to find an oil leak, start by checking the oil filter’s seal. Make sure the oil filter is tight and ensure that the gasket or O-ring is not protruding out of place.

2. BAD GASKET

Gaskets act as seals between different vehicle components, so it’s no surprise they offer plenty of possible engine oil leak locations. Your engine has many gaskets, and many of them can wear out over time and lead to an oil leak. If you suspect your vehicle is leaking oil, either internally or externally, one of the following gaskets could be to blame:

  • Valve cover gasket
  • Cylinder head gasket
  • Timing cover gasket
  • Oil pan gasket

Without the right knowledge and experience, locating a damaged or worn gasket can be difficult. Be sure to have a Tires Plus professional take a look to diagnose the issue.

3. WORN SEAL

In addition to gaskets, your vehicle also has multiple seals that keep the oil where it should be—inside your engine! If you notice an oil leak, a crankshaft or camshaft seal could be the cause.

Crankshaft seals can be found at both ends of the crankshaft. If these seals dry out, crack, or get damaged, they can lead to leaks. A small leak usually results in oil on the underside of your engine, and a larger leak could cause an oil drip at the front or rear of your engine.

Engines with timing belts can experience camshaft seal leaks. These leaks can lead to oil pooling under your vehicle or smoke coming from the engine. Both camshaft seal and crankshaft seal leaks can be hard to diagnose at home, so you’ll want to take your vehicle to a professional for diagnostics and repairs.

4. LOOSE DRAIN PLUG

During every oil change, the drain plug is removed to empty the old oil from your engine. Since this component is messed with so often, it can become loose. Many drain plugs also have a gasket or seal that eventually wears out. Luckily, this is a super easy fix. If the plug wasn’t tightened all the way after your last oil change, all you need to do is tighten it. If that still doesn’t work, you’ll just have to swap it out with a new one.

5. DAMAGED OIL PAN

If you have a major oil leak that’s leaving big puddles under your vehicle, it might be the oil pan. Because the oil pan sits beneath your vehicle, it’s more susceptible to damage from road debris and large rocks. A cracked or punctured oil pan will leave holes for the oil to escape, and a dented pan can compromise the seal the drain plug creates.

 

TIPS

10 TIPS FOR CHANGING SPARK PLUGS

Old and failing spark plugs can cause a host of problems in your engine, and it should be expected that you’ll have to change them at least a few times during the life of a vehicle. Luckily, it’s a pretty straightforward DIY that requires close attention, but not many tools. With the right know-how and a few tricks up your sleeve, changing spark plugs is a simple job with big payoffs in fuel economy and performance.

1. SOLID PREP

Get all your tools together so you don’t have to search for them in the middle of the job. This includes a few specialty tools such as a spark plug puller that will make your life easier. Also, though it is tempting to use a regular socket to remove plugs, a specialized spark plug socket (of the correct size) is the way to go because it has an interior rubber component to protect the delicate ceramic housing.

2. KEEP YOUR COOL

Always let your engine cool down completely before starting work or be prepared to get burned

3. KEEP IT CLEAN

Before removing any plugs, take a vacuum and remove any dirt or debris in the area around the spark plug. The goal is to keep dirt from falling into the combustion chambers when the plugs are out. You might also take a bit of carb cleaner just for a really nice work area that isn’t going to drop grime in if you bump it while working.

4. GO TO YOUR HOME

If you have to remove anything such as vacuum hoses, coils, or other components that might easily get confused, make sure you label before disconnecting so they can be easily reinstalled.

5. ONE BY ONE

Remove and replace plugs one at a time. This will save you the frustration of having to figure out where each wire goes later.

6. GADGET INSPECTOR

Inspect each plug as it is removed. Look for excessive carbon buildup, oil, unburned fuel, or damage to diagnose unseen engine problems. Any of these indicate a bigger problem you’ll want to figure out ASAP.

7. MIND THE GAP

Most plugs these days come pre-gapped, but you’ll want to check to make sure the gap is correct with a gauge (carefully, especially if it’s iridium) and that there is no preexisting damage.

8. KEEPING THE SPARK ALIVE

There is much debate as to the use of anti-seize coating on spark plug threads. The decision mostly comes down to the manufacturer and type of spark plug, so consult with your local store before dabbing it on. Also, throw a dab of dielectric grease at the end of the plug wires.

9. SPARKING JOY

Start each plug into the engine by hand to avoid cross-threading at all costs. Once you get it in securely by hand, use a torque wrench to torque precisely as indicated by your owner’s manual.

10. WELL ADJUSTED

Make sure when the wires are installed on the new plugs that they seat fully. You’ll feel a small pop to know that they’re in.

 

TIPS

Everything You Need To Know About Your Car’s Radiator

Engines often tend to heat after a prolonged use of the car. Every time you go on a long ride, you would notice the engine becomes heated, isn’t it? It is the radiator which controls the heating of the engine with the help of coolant. It can be concluded that the radiator is one of the critical components of the engine as it performs a crucial role of controlling the heat inside the engine box. Let’s understand more about it and its functions!

What Is A Radiator In A Car?

Radiator’s main job is to cool down the engine and thus it becomes critical to keep the radiator in good condition. Generally, the coolant is inside the tank of the radiator and from there it travels through the core. With the help of the fan, it further flows through tubes to cool the engine down.

How Does A Radiator Work?

Radiators in the car work primarily to eliminate heat from the engine and its chamber. The process starts as soon as the thermostat detects excess heat. That’s when the coolant and water get released automatically from the radiator and flow towards the engine to absorb this excess heat and to cool the engine down.

Radiators work on the heat transfer principle called convection. So when the water inside the radiator chamber is heated, the surrounding air also heats and further flows around the pipes as the air circulates.

Signs You Have A Bad Or Failing Radiator

There are plenty of tell tale signs to know if you are a failing or under performing radiator. Some of the crucial signs are as follows:

Vehicle Is Overheating

One of the first and the foremost signs of a malfunctioning radiator is the overheating of the engine. Every time the engine gets heated, it should ring a bell that there may be something wrong with the radiator.

Vehicle Is Leaking Coolant

Another crucial sign behind a failing or poor radiator is the leaking of coolant. Functioning of coolants is directly linked with the radiator. Hence if there is anything wrong with the radiator, coolant may not flow through the pipes of the engine box.

Sludge Build Up In Radiator

With regular use, there is likelihood of sludge build up in the radiator or its passage. You should get the car regularly serviced to ensure all the components are working smoothly. Any such build is an indicator that there is something not right with the radiator.

Low Coolant Levels

Check the level of the coolant after a regular interval. Low coolant level can be a sign that the radiator is not functioning well and it could result in overheating of the engine.

5 Tips To Maintain Your Car’s Radiator

You can always follow some best practice and expert recommended tips to keep your car’s radiator healthy and running.

Perform Regular Radiator Checks

You should get your car regularly serviced as recommended by the auto expert. Make sure you perform regular radiator checks to see if it is working effectively or not. You can then take necessary actions to replace or repair the components. This would ensure there are no last-minute hiccups and you can enjoy your ride seamlessly.

Avoid Overloading Car

We often make the mistake of overloading the car which can cause problems when it comes to the performance of the radiator and the engine. Make sure you avoid overloading it as much as possible.

Top Up With Engine Coolant

Top up the coolant after every 20000 to 25000 miles or as recommended by the service engineer. It varies from car to car depending upon the use and driving habits.

Check Your Fluids

Regularly check the fluid levels and take corrective actions. Make sure the level of coolant is appropriate and check the oil levels too. Low levels of fluid can create problems in the long term and impact the performance of your car.

Maintain The Hoses And Check For Leaks

Keep an eye on all the key components of the engine including the hoses and pipes. Look for any potential leaks from the pipe and engine box. Get the car serviced and checked by an expert as soon as you find any unusual sign.

 

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