Radiators and Cooling in South Africa

Overheating is the fastest way to turn a small bill into a very large one, because a warped cylinder head or a blown head gasket costs many times what the original leak would have. If the temperature gauge climbs, stop as soon as it is safe and do not open the cap on a hot system. Common causes are a leaking radiator or hose, a failed water pump, a stuck thermostat, a faulty cooling fan, an airlock after a previous repair, or a blocked radiator core clogged with debris and old coolant. Radiators on modern cars use plastic end tanks that crack with age and are usually replaced rather than repaired, while older copper and brass cores can often be re-cored economically. Use the correct coolant specification and the correct mix ratio, because plain water corrodes the system and the wrong coolant can gel. After any repair the system must be bled properly. Ask for a pressure test before and after the work.