A1 Radiator Express Inc

Many of the hoses and fittings used in your car's A/C system are made of durable rubber. However, the heat and cold can cause the rubber to crack and fail, leading to a problematic leak. An A/C expert can go over all your hoses and fix or replace any bad ones.

In essence, an automobile air-conditioning system is a closed loop, with cooled air moving from the engine to the cabin. This is known as a high-pressure side, low-pressure side system with the engine side of the loop being the high-pressure side.

Sometimes air can become trapped in the cooling system, and this will restrict the flow of coolant. When the engine overheats, check the radiator and hoses and bleed the system if trapped air is the problem.

Proper radiator maintenance as critical, as overheating can have far reaching consequence. This includes the potential for a blown head gasket, as the heat will make the aluminum swell and eventually distort the head.

The best location for airflow is at the front of the car, which is why the radiator's usually placed there, even on cars with an engine in the rear. There are a couple exceptions, though, such as some of the air-cooled vehicles of the 1960s and 1970s.

When auto repair shops talk about recharging your car's air conditioning, that doesn't mean that there's a battery in it. Over time, you can lose refrigerant, lowering the ability of your A/C. When they recharge it, they top the refrigerant level up to full.

As coolant circulates through your engine, it gets heated up. When it eventually flows through the radiator, a fan passes cool air over the coolant to disperse the heat before it is circulated through the engine again.

It's makes sense to have your air-conditioning system checked out by an expert at the beginning of every season. Nothing's worse than having warm air blow out on a 100-degree day later in the summer.

Karl Benz, who is credited with inventing the first gasoline powered automobile, is also regarded as the inventor of the radiator. It was an integral part of his engine design, which was patented in 1879.

Did you know that over time a car radiator can become blocked or clogged with dirt particles? It’s important to have your radiator periodically flushed as a preventative measure, as this type of blockage can severely restrict its ability to dispel heat in the engine bay.

Is it true that using the wrong type of coolant in a vehicle can void the warranty? Absolutely. The reason? Because today’s coolants are much more specific than ever before and the wrong coolant in the wrong car can increase risks for problems like corrosion and overheating.

If you notice that you have to recharge your A/C on a regular basis, then that means you probably have a leak in your system, which can lead to problems later on. Fortunately, the same experts who recharge your system can also help find and stop the leak.

In addition to repairs, A/C experts also do inspections to make sure everything's working and there's no signs of problematic deterioration. If you're planning a road trip, this is an especially good idea to do before you head out.

To keep the refrigerant circulating properly, and to keep your car's air conditioning system lubricated, run your air conditioner once a month during the winter. Running the air conditioner a few times during the winter can also keep the refrigerant in older systems from leaking.