Radiator Service for Your Cadillac: Preventing Overheating with Proper Maintenance

The radiator’s job is to remove heat from the engine. Combustion produces large amounts of heat, which must be removed to prevent potential engine damage. Coolant transports the heat to the radiator for removal by heat exchange with the cooler air blowing through the grille. Your radiator can wear out or get damaged, and your engine could overheat. As your Cadillac dealer, we want you to know some signs you need to visit us for a radiator service.

Signs You Need a Radiator Service at Your Cadillac Dealer

Coolant Leak

Coolant, as we saw above, removes heat from the engine. It’s a 50:50 mixture of water and antifreeze and has the unique ability to absorb heat. The coolant moves through the system at high speed and under high pressure to control engine temperature as quickly as possible. As time passes, the heat and pressure can damage the system, and coolant will leak.

A coolant leak is usually external and easy to see, as coolant is available in bright colors like pink, orange, blue, and green. Coolant can also leak internally and turn the exhaust smoke white and puffy. If you spot either sign, contact our service department right away. Our technicians will identify the leak site and repair it. Once the leak is fixed, we’ll refill your coolant.

Leaking Radiator Cap

The radiator cap is tightly screwed into the top of the radiator, and it has two seals to ensure a secure and airtight fit. The cap controls pressure in the cooling system and balances the need for high pressure to enable the coolant to move quickly with the increase in temperature caused by this high-speed movement.

If system pressure rises too high, the cap briefly opens to bleed excess pressure and then closes. The cap’s seals can shrink with time, and coolant will escape. As coolant leaks from the cap, you’ll see an immediate increase in engine temperature. If the temperature rises high enough, the head gasket and other seals will be damaged. We’ll replace the seals or install a new cap to fix this problem.

Jammed Thermostat

The thermostat controls coolant release. When the engine’s internal temperature rises above a preset level, the thermostat opens and releases coolant into the system. The coolant continues to flow until the engine temperature drops below the preset level. When this happens, the coolant is withdrawn, and the thermostat closes tight.

The thermostat can fail and jam. If it jams open, coolant will flow regardless of temperature and your engine will use more fuel. If it jams closed, the coolant won’t be released, and your engine will overheat. We’ll replace the thermostat, and the cooling system will work correctly again.

If not repaired, a damaged radiator can cause serious engine damage. Contact us today at Service Cadillac in Lafayette, LA.

Tags: Cadillac Maintenance, Cadillac repair, Service Cadillac
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