How Does a Radiator Work?
Your vehicle's radiator is part of your car's cooling system. Hot coolant, or antifreeze, flows into the usually aluminum radiator, and the radiator cools the liquid down. The vehicle's fan also assists with cooling the hot coolant down, and the liquid flows back to the engine. This cycle repeats as you drive to keep your engine from overheating. Radiators also sometimes include a turbulator, or a fin, that increases the turbulence of the coolant running through the radiator. Creating turbulence means that more of the coolant liquid will be exposed to the tube, thereby extracting more heat and cooling the liquid down faster.
The radiator is an important part of your vehicle. As the radiator ages, mineral deposits from the coolant liquid build up, in turn blocking the flow of fluid through the system. This will cause pressure in your vehicle's cooling system, which can damage the water pump, hoses, and thermostat. As a result, this could cause engine overheating and engine damage in the long run. To make sure your vehicle's radiator is running as it should, you can bring your car to Big A Auto. Serving residents of Dubuque, Iowa, Asbury, Iowa, Peosta, Iowa, Sherrill, Iowa, Durango, Iowa, and beyond since 1985, we are experts in all things auto repair and can take care of your vehicle, bumper to bumper.
What Is a Radiator Hose?
Your vehicle's radiator hoses connect the engine to the radiator and the radiator to the water pump. There are two types of radiator hoses: the upper radiator hose and the lower radiator hose. These hoses connect to different parts of your vehicle. The upper radiator hose is connected to the top of the vehicle's engine, and the lower radiator hose is connected to the bottom of the radiator and the water pump. The hoses are made of synthetic rubber to resist heat, vibrations, and pressure from the cooling system.
How Do I Know If I Need a Radiator Hose Replacement?
Because radiator hoses degrade from the inside and not from the outside, detecting when there is an issue with the hose can be difficult. If not replaced at the correct intervals, the radiator hoses can end up with tiny cracks and holes that can lead to contractions or ruptures from the pressure. At Big A Auto in Dubuque, we believe that replacing radiator hoses every 4 years or 50,000-75,000 miles is a good idea. Oftentimes, a problem with your vehicle's radiator can be resolved with a radiator hose replacement instead of replacing a radiator completely.
Here are some signs that your vehicle needs a radiator hose replacement:
- You see coolant leaking out of your vehicle: If you see green fluid underneath your vehicle, it probably means that the coolant is leaking. However, the coolant could be leaking from a variety of places, such as the radiator drain cock, the radiator itself, or the radiator hose. If you notice this issue, do not hesitate to bring your vehicle to Big A Auto in Dubuque.
- Your engine is overheating: This is a serious symptom that should be treated as soon as possible. If your engine is overheating, your radiator hose may be leaking.
- Your vehicle's coolant is running low: If your Low Coolant light turns on and/or you find yourself replacing your vehicle's coolant frequently, this may indicate your radiator hose is broken and needs to be replaced.
Big A Auto - Your Expert Shop for Radiator Hose Replacement in Dubuque, Iowa 52001
We at Big A Auto in Dubuque have a team of technicians who can expertly repair or replace the radiator in your vehicle. Since 1985, our owner Tony Cross and their team have been working hard to prioritize top-quality customer service to residents of Dubuque and the surrounding area. We can work on your Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Chrysler, or any other make or model you may have. Our mission is to exceed your expectations by earning your trust and providing the most reliable, honest, and courteous service available in the market today. Whether you are looking for a cooling system service, such as for the water pumps or radiators, or just a simple coolant exchange service, our technicians can easily handle it. Our services come with a Lifetime on Most Parts/2 Years Labor warranty. In addition, our technicians are ATI Member.
Reasons You Should Do Business With Us:
- Transparency
- Honesty
- Integrity
- We are Experts
- Years of Experience
If you are in Dubuque or the surrounding areas, feel free to call us at 563-556-1123 or go to our website to schedule an appointment! Big A Auto - We Service what we Sell.