How Long Does a Radiator Fan Motor Last?
The cooling/radiator fan motor is part of your vehicle's cooling system. It transports heat and dissipates it to the outside air. The fan motor is the part that actually powers the cooling fan. The cooling/radiator fan motor prevents the engine from overheating so your vehicle stays in good running condition.
The radiator/cooling fan motor is located in the front or rear of the radiator in the engine compartment. As the coolant passes through the radiator, the coolant cools the fluid so it can flow through the engine. As the coolant flows through the engine, it absorbs additional heat so the engine doesn't overheat. Also, the cooling fan motor blows air from outside and passes it over the radiator.
The cooling/radiator fan motor operates in a high temperature environment, which means it can fail over time. One of the main causes of the failure of this part is that the engine overheats. If this continues, the engine may explode and your vehicle may become inoperable. This ranges from a relatively simple repair to a much more extensive one. One way to tell if your fan is malfunctioning is to hear if it actually works. Another way is to watch the temperature gauge, and if it consistently reads high, it may be time to replace the cooling/radiator fan motor.
To keep this part in good working order, the coolant should be changed every 25,000 to 40,000 miles. While the mechanic changes the coolant, he can inspect for leaks or blemishes that indicate your blower motor is going to die soon.
Since your cooling/radiator fan motor can fail over time, you need to be aware of the symptoms it gives off before it fails completely.
Signs that you need to replace your cooling/radiator fan motor include:
- The check engine light is on
- Your vehicle overheats on a regular basis
- Blown cooling fan fuse.
- Temperature gauge reads high on a regular basis
- You don't hear the fan running when you hear it
This part should be replaced as soon as possible to keep your vehicle in good working order.
