Regarding radiator caps, which statement is correct?

Regarding radiator caps, which statement is correct?

• A. Never attempt to remove the radiator cap with a cold engine.
• B. Never attempt to install a radiator cap on a cold engine.
• C. Both statements are correct.
• D. Neither statement is correct.

Answer: (D)

The radiator cap is part of a pressurized cooling system, so touching it while the engine is hot can cause burns from steam and hot coolant. The safe rule is to wait until the system has cooled before removing or installing the cap, and to handle the cap carefully when pressure has dropped. Removing the cap is safe when the engine is cold, so the statement that you must never remove it with a cold engine is incorrect. Installing the cap is also safe when the engine is cold, so the statement that you must never install it on a cold engine is incorrect. Therefore, neither of those cautions is right. The correct practice is to wait for the system to cool before any removal or installation.

The radiator cap is part of a pressurized cooling system, so touching it while the engine is hot can cause burns from steam and hot coolant. The safe rule is to wait until the system has cooled before removing or installing the cap, and to handle the cap carefully when pressure has dropped.

Removing the cap is safe when the engine is cold, so the statement that you must never remove it with a cold engine is incorrect. Installing the cap is also safe when the engine is cold, so the statement that you must never install it on a cold engine is incorrect. Therefore, neither of those cautions is right. The correct practice is to wait for the system to cool before any removal or installation.