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Automotive Q & A

Radiator

Question: How does a radiator function?

Answer: Most of your vehicle’s energy in converted to heat. Just think, all of the moving parts in your engine create much friction and give off much heat energy. The oil in your engine and your vehicle’s exhaust system take care of some of the heat, but the cooling system has to take care of the rest. Your cooling system is in charge of, for lack of a better word, cooling your engine. The cooling system has to make sure that your engine doesn’t overheat and breakdown. Your engine’s radiator is one of the most important parts of your cooling system. Your engine’s temperature is constantly watched by a special thermostat. When the engine gets too hot, the thermostat releases engine coolant, or antifreeze, from your radiator into your engine. The antifreeze travels through the engine’s pipes and passageways to absorb heat and cool the engine. Then, the antifreeze returns to the radiator to be cooled. The antifreeze is cooled three different ways. First, your radiator contains many small chambers through which the antifreeze travels to cool. All of the excess heat then escapes through the radiator’s walls. Second, your engine uses a fan located between the engine and the radiator, and third, the radiator uses the air that blows into the engine through your vehicle’s grill to aid in the cooling process. Once the antifreeze is cooled, it is ready to be re-released into the engine to keep your engine cool and running smoothly.

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Festerling's Auto Service in Petoskey, MI

Festerling's Auto Service is your local tire dealer and auto repair shop in Petoskey, MI. Locally owned and operated, we help drivers in our areas and surrounding communities like Harbor Springs, MI and Alanson, MI keep their vehicles running safe. Come to us for affordable new tires from your favorite brands, scheduled maintenance that prevents car problems before they start, and precise auto repair services. From top to bottom, inside and out, we're here to get your car, light truck, or commercial fleet vehicle back on the road. If you can't get to us, we provide a 24-hour towing and wrecker service. Call us today when you're in need.

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Phone: (231) 347-6251
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Address: 1190 M-119
Petoskey, MI 49770
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