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To some drivers, the technicalities of their car remain a mystery, and they prefer it that way. However, others are keen to understand the functionality - including the importance of their radiator fan.
Your car's radiator fan plays a crucial role in preventing overheating and maintaining engine efficiency. However, when it stops working, it can be a significant cause for concern. In this blog, we explore the reasons behind car radiator fan issues, and practical insights into diagnosing and fixing the issue. Explore the intricacies of your car's cooling system to keep it running smoothly on the road ahead.
Can a car run without a radiator fan?
Although in short, yes, you can technically drive your car without a radiator fan, it is not recommended that you do. Each time your engine overheats, due to an issue with your radiator fan, damage is done to your vehicle's cooling system, which is vital to its performance.
Therefore, if your car's radiator fan is not working, it's essential to work out exactly what has caused the issue, and ensure you address that promptly, to prevent overheating and potential engine damage.
Common causes of a faulty radiator fan
A faulty radiator fan can stem from various underlying issues, each affecting its performance and reliability. Understanding these common causes of radiator fan failure helps car owners to identify and address problems, ensuring optimal engine cooling and preventing costly repairs later down the line.
Common causes of a faulty radiator fan include:
Electrical issues
One of the main causes of radiator fan issues are electrical issues, such as a blown fuse, a faulty relay, or wiring issues. These can cause the radiator fan to malfunction. If the fan's electrical components fail, it won't receive power to operate properly.
Mechanical failures
Similarly, mechanical issues can also occur. These are likely a faulty fan motor or broken fan blades, which can both prevent the radiator fan from working correctly. Over time, the motor may wear out or become damaged, leading to a loss of functionality.
Car radiator leak
Low coolant levels and leaks can also affect the performance of the radiator fan by reducing overall coolant levels in the system. Low coolant levels can lead to overheating, which may result in the radiator fan working harder than usual or failing altogether.
Temperature sensor malfunction
Modern vehicles are equipped with temperature sensors that monitor engine temperature and control the operation of the radiator fan. A malfunctioning temperature sensor can cause the fan to operate erratically, or not at all, both of which lead to cooling problems.
Maintenance tips to keep your car radiator fan in good condition
Maintaining your car's radiator fan ensures efficient engine cooling and prevents costly repairs. A properly functioning radiator fan helps regulate engine temperature, playing a vital factor in reducing the risk of your vehicle from experiencing overheating issues. Although there are a number of reasons why your radiator fan might not work properly, here are a few maintenance tips you can follow from home to help reduce the chance of issues.
Regular maintenance checks
The first and easiest way to keep on top of your car radiator fan condition is to regularly inspect the radiator fan, blades, and surrounding components for any signs of damage, wear, or obstruction. Make sure to remove any debris or foreign objects that may be blocking the fan's airflow.
Clean the radiator and fan blades
Make sure you regularly clean the radiator and fan blades to remove dirt, dust, and debris buildup. You can use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean the radiator fins and fan blades at home. Clean radiators and fans promote better airflow and cooling efficiency, so be sure to check and clean these before you choose your next steps.
Check coolant levels & leaks
It is key that you regularly check the coolant levels in your car's cooling system. As we have already discovered in this blog, low coolant levels can affect the effectiveness of the radiator fan in dissipating heat. Make sure to top up the coolant as needed and address any leaks promptly.
Monitor the temperature gauge
Modern vehicles make it easy for you to ensure you can easily check the temperature of the engine. If your engine is hotter than usual, it's vital you pull over and let the engine cool. If it persists, you will need to visit a garage and let them check your vehicle.
Interested in learning more about your vehicle and its intricacies? Keep up with the Kwik Fit blog, or you’ve got any specific questions, get in touch with us today.
Want to know why ADAS calibration is important for vehicle safety & performance? Read our blog to learn more about the impacts of not calibrating your ADAS.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
Contact our team for help and advice with a new or existing booking. We’ll help direct your enquiry to the appropriate department.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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If you selected an appointment on a Bank Holiday Monday, please bring your car to the centre at 10:00am rather than the time shown below.
