|
TIRE WORLD Complete Auto Service & Repair Stores |
|
|
Tire World's Tech Tips (12) click here to return to the list of Tech Tips Cooling the Heat When you think about the people who have evolved the technology to make our modern cars do all that they do, it's easy to be impressed. For instance, water boils at 212° but the average, newer engines in our automobiles operate at 240° Fahrenheit. Part of the solution to that problem was pressure. For every pound of pressure, the boiling point is raised 3 degrees. This is why it is so important to not remove a radiator cap on a hot car. The pressure within the system will turn scalding water into an amazingly strong blast of steam that can badly burn you. Other than catastrophic oil system failure, there is no faster way to tear up your engine and transmission than to continue to drive when it has over heated. Some newer vehicles will not allow you to drive when they are overheated and will stop running. Still, that may be too late.
Although it seems odd, especially on a hot day, the first thing you should do if your car starts to overheat is to turn the heater on full blast. This lets the heater core function as a second, smaller radiator to bleed excess heat from the engine.
|
|
The radiator cools the engine in addition to the transmission fluid. It does this, in part, by circulating water through tubes cooled by the airflow created by driving and the fan. Anti-freeze is another innovation that allows your engine to run as hot as it does. This solution is designed to have a higher boiling point than water. However, it gets dirty and the solution breaks down. It is a good idea to get your cooling system flushed regularly. There are numerous kinds of anti-freeze that come in various colors so you will be less likely to mix different types. Be sure you know what type your car uses so you won't risk clogging or ruining your coolant system. If you are not sure and must add fluid, use water. Any water will do but be sure to get the system flushed and refilled as soon as possible. The anti-freeze/water mix needs to be 50-50. Beyond the 40% to 60% range of anti-freeze, engine-cooling capabilities are drastically cut. Your engine could freeze or the cooling system parts could rust. In addition to the mix, the solution needs to be the proper pH level. If it's not, the fluid can become acidic and cause corrosion problems. Have the staff at Tire World inspect your cooling system regularly and do any recom-mended maintenance. It can mean the difference between getting to where you need to go and spending a bunch of time on unplanned repairs.
|
We Sell Tires, too!
Return to Top of Page |
Powered by |
For questions or comments about this site, Copyright 1998 - 2006 |