With the Railways experiencing problems with high ambient air temperatures, does anyone know the Summer design temperature for cars used in Britain?
Are cars still fitted with 'export' rads?
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At one time all cars were built for specific national markets with different radiators, grills, suspension settings as well as equipment levels. But now there is much more commonality of specification, other than our right-hand drive. I recall somewhere that "hot climate" spec means Middle East & Africa.
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'Worldwide' maximum ambient temperature was 47C where I used to work. Radiators for the UK market could be designed with a lower temperature, I think it was about 35C? These can still be found on some aftermarket radiators.
This is worst after a long run at speed on a hot day and then coming to a stop as if in a traffic jam on the motorway. You get no ram air flow, there's lots of heat built up in the engine and under the bonnet and the water pump is turning slowly. If your temperature gauge starts to move up dangerously, turn the heater control to maximum heat and switch on the blower, the heater matrix is basically another radiator and will work to get rid of some of the engine heat. I bet you all knew that anyway.
Maintenance for your radiators (they need maintenance?!) involves making sure that they are clear of obstructions and to see if any of the fins are bent. Copper-brass radiators can't be pressure washed to clear debris but aluminium ones are ok. Bending the fins carefully back into shape with a screwdriver will be ok, if you go to a radiator specialist he may be able to do it with a special comb.
Gareth
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