MG5 A/C Condenser/Radiator Damage

[AndyB87]

Has anyone else noticed any damage to their air con rad from road debris hitting it?

I was under the car the other day wax oiling it, and actually pulled a strip of cooling fins from between the underguard and subframe, that had dislodged from the lowest part of the radiator!

I was pretty surprised to see numerous holes and damage to the cooling fins considering I don't have any road rash on my bumper. Air con still works fine but I imagine I'll be fitting a new condenser in a few years if not sooner and possibly a mesh guard in front of the rad too.

 

[MickeySw]

Any pics?

 

[AndyB87]

Any pics?

Sorry for the late reply mate, I don't seem to get notified to replies. Last pic is the piece I found between the subframe and underguard.

 

[Grahbags]

Having had an A/C condenser fail on a previous car due to stone impact, I now add a mesh to any car I have. Pics of the MG5 and the (Poundland from a few years ago) gutter mesh I used - doubled it up and held it in place with small cable ties. Most cars don't have any sort of protection against stones thrown up by cars in front.

 

[AndyB87]

That's my plan mate, but I'm going to use fine stainless steel mesh (filter type mesh) and mount it on a frame bolted just in front of the condenser.

I'm assuming you've managed to avoid any damage to your condenser having fitted your mesh?

 

[Grahbags]

That's my plan mate, but I'm going to use fine stainless steel mesh (filter type mesh) and mount it on a frame bolted just in front of the condenser.

I'm assuming you've managed to avoid any damage to your condenser having fitted your mesh?

I did try a metal mesh on a previous ICE car but was worried about restricting the airflow too much so went for the gutter mesh doubled up.

I've had the MG5 less than a year and only fitted the gutter mesh as a precaution. Must admit, I don't check the condenser as the mesh has meant I don't really need to any more. Whatever, it has to be an improvement over the original giant gaps inviting impact damage.