

Without this valve, or if it isn't working properly, there will be suction in the system as it cools, potentially resulting in collapsed hoses and gasket failure. The cap also has a vacuum valve in it, which opens as the car is cooling to equalize the pressure in the system with the ambient air pressure.

If you hear waterfall or bubbling water type sounds coming from your heater core or from under your dash, this could be an indication that your coolant level is low and that the cap might need replacing. If the cooling system boils over the coolant level will be lower than it should, exacerbating your cooling problem. Usually radiator caps fail the opposite way, preventing pressure from building in the cooling system and simply venting antifreeze when it boils over. If a solid or defective cap were used instead of the proper coolant reservoir cap, there would be an increased risk of having a hose burst and gasket failure. The radiator cap on your car works like the pressure regulator and safety valves on the pressure cooker to keep the pressure below a specified level. This allows the system to reach higher temperatures and more effectively cool your vehicle. However, there will often be obvious signs if it is defective, and changing the radiator cap is normally quite inexpensive.īecause water can reach a higher temperature before boiling when it is under pressure, the cooling system in your car works like a pressure cooker. Mechanics and parts stores have a tool that can be used to test the cap. The radiator cap on your car does much more than just cover the hole on the top of the radiator or coolant reservoir.
