Serving Chicago Northwest Suburbs
for 40+ Years!
Radiator, Thermostat, & Water Pump
Automobile & truck engines are water-cooled to maintain proper operating temperature. The cooling system is also connected to the heating system, which relies on heated coolant to heat your car. Engine cooling is an important process that helps maintain optimum operating temperature for your car.
- Radiator
- The Radiator sits at the front of your vehicle where air is forced through a maze of porous vents that reduce the coolant temperature while circulating through the engine.
- Symptoms of a Failing Radiator
- Radiators usually fail due to front-end collisions or become compromised during a severe over-heating (dry-running) which can cause permanent engine failure. Most common failures associated with the radiator are the inlet and outlet hoses, which wear over time and require replacement. New clamps are recommended when replacing radiator hoses.
- Thermostat
- Think of the Thermostat as a heat-activated valve. When the engine is cold, the thermostat valve is closed. When closed, engine coolant is circulated through the engine, but not to the radiator. This helps bring your car's engine up to operating temperature quickly in cold weather. As the engine warms, the coolant gets hot and the thermostat opens to circulate coolant to the radiator. Once the vehicle reaches operating temperature, the thermostat maintains temperature.
- Symptoms of a Thermostat Failure
- When thermostats fail, they no longer close, so in cold weather, your car may never reach its proper operating temperature (180–200F).
- Water Pump
- The Water Pump, located at the front of the engine and is responsible for circulating the flow of coolant (antifreeze/distilled water mix) through the radiator and car's engine.
- Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump
- If coolant is leaking at the front of your car, or your engine is overheating, and the water pump pulley is loose, your water pump needs replacement. Replacing a water pump is a fairly complex process because it requires disconnection and removal of major engine components to access the pump. When replacing the water pump, it's a good idea to replace the timing belt because it's easily accessible during a water pump replacement.
Bill's Auto & Truck Repair would be happy to provide you with cooling system repair cost for your vehicle and answer any related questions.
Call (847) 296‑3166 or use our online form.