We all know the saying “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”. Of all the myriad things this could be applied to, nowhere is it more fitting than when it is being used to describe your car’s air conditioning and radiator.
You might take it for granted when everything is running smoothly, but as soon as you start to experience car air conditioning issues or a leaking car radiator, you may be nostalgic for the days when everything worked.
Not only can a non-functioning air conditioning or cooling system somewhere in Alberta be inconvenient, but it can also be very dangerous. The last thing you want is a leaking radiator when your car is stalled in the middle of a snowstorm when you need the heater to work the most!
That’s why mastering some radiator repair tips on your own will help get you out of a jam and ensure your air conditioning and radiator work when they need to. Here are some of the common automotive air conditioning and radiator repair tips every driver should know.
1. Keep Some Car Radiator Sealant in the Trunk
If you are experiencing a leaking car radiator and a repair shop is not nearby, try to add some radiator sealant. There are many different brands to choose from, so do your research to find the right one for you.
Once you have a liquid sealant, simply pour it directly into the radiator and follow the instructions on the package. This should plug the leak in seconds and get your radiator back up and running until you can get the car into a shop to be repaired. These sealants are only a temporary fix and may cause other issues if left in the cooling system, particularly plugging the heater core.
2. Flush Your Car Radiator
A car radiator will not work efficiently when it is all gummed with debris and dust. That’s why automotive experts recommend flushing your car radiator out once every 2 years.
Although there are many products on the market you can purchase to pour directly into the cooling system it is not recommended you do this yourself. The contaminated fluid will need to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way so your best solution would be to have this done at a certified repair facility.
3. Cleaning the Condenser
If the condenser for your air conditioning system is clogged, then both systems will quickly begin to shut down. An externally plugged air conditioning condenser is one of the most common air conditioning issues found, but fixing it is straightforward.
The condenser is the mesh-like part that sits just behind the grille. It is commonly plugged with fuzz, bugs etc and can restrict the air flow. Try cleaning the condenser by flushing with a pressure washer but insuring you don’t get to close to the fins as they are typically made of aluminum and can bend easily causing irreparable damage. Also blowing air through the condenser from the backside out can dislodge debris clogging the fins of the condenser.
4. Check the Fan Belt
When it comes to car air conditioning problems, a faulty fan belt is one of the most common causes. A properly fitted and functioning fan belt is absolutely essential for a fully functioning air conditioning and cooling system.
It is also important for the functioning of your car’s water pump and alternator. It might be the case that the fan belt has just come loose and you will need to put it back in place. This can be done easily.
5. Call a Professional
Sometimes car air conditioning repair and radiator repair issues cannot be addressed alone. You may need to call a professional auto service company like City Wide Radiator, who will be able to address any problems in a timely manner, at a price you can afford.
If the methods tried above do not fix your air conditioning or radiator, it is time to call in the experts.
Expert Air Conditioning and Radiator Repair in Calgary
For efficient, affordable, and effective air conditioning and radiator repair in Calgary, we’ve got you covered. No matter the nature of the problem, our qualified repairmen are ready and able to fix it. Do not hesitate to give us a call today if you are experiencing problems with your car’s air conditioning or radiator.