Your Biggest Fan (Radiator Fan Problems)
September 29, 2024
Your vehicle's engine makes a lot of heat when it's powering you down the road, so it needs a way to get rid of that energy. That's why your vehicle has a cooling system, complete with a radiator and one or two radiator fans, also called cooling fans. Those fans make sure air keeps moving across the radiator so that the heat stored in the coolant can be dissipated outside when the vehicle is stopped or not traveling fast.
Radiator fans can develop problems and can stop working properly or stop working altogether. Some signs to look for? If you're driving slowly and idling and you see your temperature gauge moving toward the red or hot zone, that could spell trouble. Another thing you may notice when a radiator fan is failing is that there may be a loud noise coming from the engine compartment.
There are two types of radiator fans. One is mechanically connected to the engine and uses the engine's rotational energy to turn it. The other is an electric fan and is the type used in most newer vehicles. In the electrical type, one of the components, such as a relay or fuse, may fail, causing the fan to stop turning. In the mechanical type, since it's driven by a pulley/belt mechanism, one of those components may break or stop working properly. A clutch can wear out or a belt may slip or break.
When your cooling fan isn't working properly, it may cause your engine to overheat which could lead to expensive damage. That's why it's important to make sure you visit your service facility if you notice any of these symptoms. A technician is trained to diagnose the problem and make sure your radiator fan is doing its job. When it comes to your vehicle, your radiator fan really is your biggest fan.
TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires
1735 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-8300
http://www.tlcautocareroyaloak.com
Need Service?
More articles from TLC Auto Care
Making Sense of the O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor Replacement)
March 9, 2025
As you know, todays vehicles rely on a lot of computers in them to keep them running clean and efficiently. Those computers depend on information delivered by several sensors throughout the engine and exhaust system. And one of the most important is the oxygen sensor. Known as the O2 sensor f... More
Slippery When Wet (Driving on Wet Leaves)
March 2, 2025
When the leaves fall, you might take a sightseeing trip to see them at peak color. Or you may simply live in a spot where there are a lot of trees. When those leaves get wet, you'd be surprised to learn just how slippery they can be. We all know ice is slippery to drive on. What causes tires ... More
Lubricate Driveshaft
February 23, 2025
See if any of these are happening to your vehicle. You feel it vibrating excessively underneath when its running, or you hear strange clunking, grating, or grinding sounds coming from beneath. Maybe its hard to turn your vehicle, or you can hear squeaking when youre going slow. Perhaps you fee... More