Your vehicle’s heater matrix, also known as a heater core, is a crucial heating and cooling system component. Situated behind the dashboard and connected to the engine’s cooling system through hoses, it transfers heat from the engine to air, which is directed back into your vehicle’s cabin.
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Don’t Ignore these Six Signs of Radiator Cap Issues
You car’s radiator cap. A small piece of the overall mechanical setup, which can cause a lot of problems if it goes wrong. At worst, you could even be left sitting by the side of the road, waiting for a recovery vehicle. Fortunately however, as with most problems, there are some early warning signs that will give you an inkling that all is not well with this part. Use a little observation and vigilance and you could swerve any issues (and the costs associated with them) before they occur.
Continue readingThe Seven Most Common Car Radiator Problems
Every car produces heat. Not only from the combustion in the engine, but also from fast moving parts such as the wheel bearings. Without proper cooling, your car could potentially overheat or even catch fire. Your radiator is your number one defence against high engine temperatures – so how can you ensure this part is working properly? And more importantly, what are the signs your radiator could be suffering from problems?
Continue readingHow to Replace Your Air Conditioning Low Pressure Switch
Your car’s air conditioning system has two switches that protect the compressor and the refrigeration circuit. The low pressure switch turns the system off when the pressure is too low to prevent damage to the compressor. Like all parts of your vehicle it has a limited lifespan. If you are suffering from problems like an intermittent response from the AC unit when you turn it on, a lack of cooling or an outright failure of the system then the problem could be a faulty low pressure switch.
Continue readingServicing Your Air Conditioning – Extend the Lifespan
Summer is here in a big fashion. The air waves are packed with heat and no doubt the one place this is making feel uncomfortable is in the cabin of your car. Good air conditioning system is the obvious answer.
Obviously like all of your vehicle’s systems, air conditioning is no different. Use it in a conservative, careful way and you can prolong its lifespan, use it without forethought and you could find yourself with a new purchase on your hands sooner than you think.
To help you get the most out of your air conditioning system for many years, you can find some of motoring’s best tips in our easy to use guide. Continue reading
Checking & Topping Up Your Coolant
As you might have guessed by the name, coolant or anti-freeze plays a vital role in your car’s engine, especially in cold weather. Not only do you need enough of this fluid to stop your vehicle from seizing up when it’s freezing outside, you also must make sure that this fluid remains in a good condition. Continue reading
Replacing Your Car’s Heater Matrix
The heater matrix is a component within the heater unit and a smaller version of your car’s radiator, which has the engine’s coolant running through it. It uses the coolant to transfer heat into air, blown through it from the heater motor, which then comes out of the vents in the car.
Fluctuations in the temperature in your car is often one of the first signs your heater matrix may be experiencing problems. This could be coupled with another indicator of trouble such as your car fogging up suddenly for no reason.More definite signs of failure are the sickly sweet smell of coolant cooking emanating throughout your car and liquid in your car’s foot well, both of which could mean that this part has stopped functioning correctly.
Continue readingHow to Change a Car’s Radiator
Your car’s radiator keeps the engine at the correct working temperature by dissipating heat that is generated by the internal combustion process. The radiator circulates coolant throughout the engine block, where it becomes heated, before returning it to the radiator where it cools down with exposure to the atmosphere. Continue reading
Checking your Engine’s Coolant
All engines require coolant to stop them from overheating. This is especially true of the summer months when the bonnet of the car is already hot due to the ambient temperature, but due to the combustion process the engine is also likely to get hot even during the coldest period of the year. To make sure there is sufficient coolant in your engine you should check your levels regularly – as a rule of thumb you should check it at least every 3,000 miles, although you should check your owner’s manual, which should advise on the frequency of your checks. Continue reading