Radiators on earlier cars were made of copper and brass alloys . They could be repaired by soldering. But a number of later cars - including the Mini Metro - have radiators with aluminium cores and plastic top and bottom tanks. Such radiators can be damaged by forcing off a hose or pressure cap , or overtightening a clip. Read more
The parts of the cooling system most likely to give trouble are water hoses . Age and the movement of the engine on its mountings will eventually cause cracks, or their inner fabric may deteriorate due to the hot water. Read more
In a fully sealed cooling system , the cap on top of the radiator is not usually opened for topping up the system. Read more
Core plugs are also known as expansion plugs, welch plugs and sealing discs - a point to remember when buying one. Read more
A leak in the water-cooling system can be hard to trace - especially if it is internal, say in the cylinder-head gasket between cylinders . Read more
Always use the right kind of antifreeze for your car and keep it at the correct strength, otherwise internal rust or sludge may result. Read more
The flow of air into the car can be blocked by leaves or road debris in the supply tubes or in the plenum chamber. Read more
Over a period of years, sediment builds up in a car's cooling system even if antifreeze containing corrosion inhibitors is left in all year round. Read more
If the engine warms up very slowly, or never reaches normal temperature, or if it overheats quickly, the thermostat is probably faulty. Read more
Water pumps wear out through age, through lack of lubrication on older types — which need greasing — or because the drive belt is too tight. Read more