Allston Auto Repair

Most people have never heard of the radiator in their vehicle's cooling system before, let alone its crucial role in keeping your engine cool and preventing it from overheating. Fortunately, Ming's Auto Repair is here to explain what a radiator is and exactly what it does. What Is a Radiator? A radiator is a heat exchanger located at the front of your car's engine compartment. It is typically made of aluminum and is designed to transfer heat from the engine coolant to the air that flows through it. The radiator is connected to the engine through a series of hoses. What Does a Radiator Do? The radiator's primary job is to remove heat from the engine coolant. As the engine runs, it generates a substantial amount of heat, and the coolant absorbs this heat. The coolant then flows through the engine and transfers the heat away from the engine block. As the coolant flows through the radiator, it releases the heat it has absorbed, dissipating it into the air. Most Common ... read more

As the weather gets warmer, you may be blasting your car's air conditioning to stay cool. But what happens when the cool air stops flowing? It may be time for an R134A service. What Is R134A? R134A is the refrigerant that is commonly used in modern air conditioning systems. It is a hydrofluorocarbon that replaced the older, ozone-depleting refrigerant R12. R134A is a much more environmentally friendly option for automotive air conditioning systems. An R134A service is essentially a maintenance check-up for your car's air conditioning system. During an R134A service, a qualified mechanic will inspect the entire system, including the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. They will also check the refrigerant level, clean the system of any debris, and replace any worn-out or damaged parts. How Do You Know If Your Car Needs An R134A service?  There are a few signs to look out for: Weak or warm air blowing from the vents: If your air conditioning is not as cold as it ... read more

The thermostat plays a pivotal role in the cooling system process. As you may guess, the thermostat monitors engine temperature and ensures it is at an optimal temperature – not too hot and not too cold. When the engine temperature falls out of range, it closes and opens to facilitate coolant flow. If the thermostat is faulty or stays stuck in a closed or open position, it can lead to an array of problems: Engine Overheating - If your engine is running too hot, you should have the thermostat inspected. When the thermostat stays closed, it will prevent coolant from flowing through the motor. And coolant is necessary to cool down the engine temperature. You may notice other signs of overheating: smoke, high-temperature gauge, and coolant warning message. You will need to pull over as soon as you notice an overheating engine.  Cold Air Blowing Instead of Heat - When the thermostat is stuck open, there is too much coolant going into the engine. As a result, the engine won&rsq ... read more