Land Rover Range Rover Radiators

Keys to Maintaining the Land Rover Range Rover Radiator

The radiator is one of the components of the Land Rover Range Rover that needs to be maintained regularly, and for good reason. But as it absorbs heat from the engine, radiators are constantly put under stress from extreme heat and pressure, which in turn can lead to wear and tear of its individual components. And over time, this will cause the radiator to malfunction and hence, the engine to overheat. The Land Rover Range Rover radiator should undergo routine maintenance checkup at least once every two years, but there are several ways that you can keep it running in good condition every day. Here's a list of some of the ways you can do to extend your radiator's lifespan:

• Make sure there's always enough coolant in the tank.

The coolant running inside the radiator doesn't technically run out, but if the radiator or its hoses have sprung a leak, the coolant will gradually diminish over time. And when it becomes too low, the radiator will not be able to cool the engine properly, resulting in overheating. Once you see that the radiator's overflow tank doesn't have enough fuel, refill it as soon as possible. You should also check for leaks on the radiator and radiator hose as well as the quality of the coolant inside your radiator.

• Squeeze the radiator hoses.

The radiator hose are a frequent point of failure for the radiator, as they tend to dry out, become brittle, and crack over time. And one of the effective ways to check the health of the radiator hose is through the squeeze test. While the engine is still warm, squeeze the hose with one hand. Squeeze the area where the hose bends in particular, as this is where the hose often goes bad. If the hose is still in good condition, it should feel firm but not hard. But if the hose has gone bad, it will feel very hard, spongy, or very soft to the touch.

• Make sure to use the right mix of coolant.

As a rule of thumb, the radiator should be filled with a 50/50 mix of coolant and clean, mineral free water. If the coolant does not come with antifreeze additives, make sure to add them into the mix during the winter months to prevent the engine bay from freezing up.

Regular maintenance of the Land Rover Range Rover radiator can help keep wear and malfunctions at bay, but if it is too worn out due to age and normal wear or it is damaged by an accident, then it must be replaced soon. Most mechanics will be more than able to make the replacement, but if you have the right tools on hand, plus the skills and the time needed, then you can save a lot of cash by installing this component yourself. Planning on replacing your Land Rover Range Rover radiator? Here are some helpful tips that you might want to check out:

Tip #1: Drain the coolant.

Aside from preventing a big mess during the replacement, draining the old radiator fluid also prevents rust particles and other contaminants from transferring over to the new radiator. The radiator should have a valve at the bottom of one of the tanks, which the coolant can drain from. Open the radiator cap or the radiator overflow tank cap and, using a pair of pliers, turn the valve until it comes loose. Make sure that the coolant drains into a clean receptacle and dispose it properly.

Tip #2: Lift up the front of the vehicle.

When draining the coolant, many mechanics recommend lifting the front of the vehicle with a pair of jacks and jack stands. This is because the radiator's pressure cap is the highest point, and by lifting it up, any air pockets trapped inside the radiator and radiator lines would find an easier way out of the system.

Tip #3: Consider replacing the radiator hose as well.

If the radiator has worn out to the point of needing replacement, the radiator hose may need to be changed as well. This is especially true if the radiator has corroded on the inside, as rust can settle on the interior of the hose. Some of the things you need to look for that indicates radiator hose wear include cracks and overall brittleness of the radiator, swelling near the hose clamps, soft spots, and extremely rigid areas. You should also try to pinch the hose; if you hear a crunching sound the inside of the radiator hose, it's likely to be coated with rust.