Why is the car radiator smoking?
2 Answers
After the radiator boils over and leaks, the leaked liquid will smoke when it drips onto high-temperature areas. Below is relevant information about the radiator: Concept: The car radiator, also known as a heat exchanger, is a key component in the car's cooling system. Its function is to dissipate heat. The coolant absorbs heat in the water jacket, flows to the radiator to release the heat, and then returns to the water jacket to circulate, achieving temperature regulation. It is a part of the car engine. Working Principle: The radiator is a crucial component of water-cooled engines. As an important part of the heat dissipation circuit in water-cooled engines, it can absorb heat from the cylinder block and prevent engine overheating. Due to water's high specific heat capacity, the temperature rise after absorbing heat from the cylinder block is not significant, so the engine's heat is transferred through the liquid circuit of the coolant.
I've noticed that smoke from a car's radiator is mostly due to issues in the cooling system, primarily when the antifreeze inside boils, producing white smoke. Common causes include insufficient antifreeze or leaks, such as aging and cracked hoses, holes in the radiator, or a faulty water pump seal leading to fluid leakage. If the fan isn't working, heat dissipation can't keep up, especially in traffic jams where heat accumulates easily, causing smoke. A stuck thermostat can also cause the engine to overheat. In such situations, I immediately pull over but don't turn off the engine right away, letting it idle for a few minutes to help cool down. After waiting about ten minutes for cooling, I put on gloves to gently check the fluid level and add a mix of antifreeze and water if it's low. For regular maintenance, it's advisable to check the coolant level and hose condition every quarter. Addressing minor issues early can save the high cost of major engine repairs. These are lessons I've learned from my own experiences.