For proper temperature control in your car, radiator repair, as well as maintenance for the heater core and the air-conditioning system, is important to keep your car the proper temperature all year round. Your radiator, a heat exchanger which cools your engine, works with two other heat exchangers, your heater and your air-conditioner, to make you and the passengers in your car comfortable all year round

How Your Radiator, Heater Core, and A/C Work Together

In vehicles with liquid cooled internal combustion engines, the radiator is connected to channels that run through the engine and cylinder head. Usually positioned to receive airflow as the vehicle moves forward, the radiator transfers heat from the liquid to the air outside, which cools the fluid enough to cool off the engine. It also cools off the air conditioner refrigerator, intake air, automatic transmission fluids, and even power steering fluid.

To do its job, the radiator is part of a cooling system, which also includes a series of channels cast into the engine block and cylinder head that surround the combustion chambers and carry the liquid through them, a water pump, a thermostat, and a fan to draw air through the radiator. The channels that supply the radiator also supply the heater core, a small radiator that pulls in the heat from the fluid to bring hot air into the passenger compartment.

While the air conditioner is not part of the same cooling system, it works in conjunction with the heater, especially when there is a need to dehumidify the air in the cabin. Mounted in front of the radiator, it has an evaporator filled with refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air that enters the vehicle.

The Importance of Radiator Repair and Air Conditioner Service

Keeping all systems ready to perform their important function in your car requires regular service. Both your car’s radiator and heating system require flushing every couple years to remove blockages, rust, and corrosion that can impede their function. Any of the parts can wear out or fail, while hoses can develop leaks. For best results, you should have your mechanic check your car’s radiator, caps, and hoses every few months to make sure that it is keeping your engine running right.

Your air-conditioner most often needs repairs to the condenser, which can leak refrigerant. When your car no longer gets as cool as it should be or the air conditioner does not appear to be working, you should take it to a repair shop to measure the air pressure and have the condenser inspected for leaks. Leaks indicate that you may need your condenser repaired or replaced. To do that, the technician will remove any remaining refrigerant to fix the part, check for any other system leaks, and properly refill the system with refrigerant. If you don’t attend to a failing or broken air conditioner, you risk throwing off the temperature regulation system of your whole vehicle.

For best results, trust your heater core and radiator repair, as well as your AC maintenance, to State Automotive.