What does the radiator in your vehicle do? Your car’s radiator is responsible for keeping your engine at a constant temperature so that it doesn’t overheat. Learn to recognize the signs that your car needs a radiator repair before it’s too late!
The temperature gauge that you see on your dashboard should stay somewhere in the middle of the range between cold and hot, at least once your car warms up. However, if you notice the needle creeping toward the hot end, it’s an indication that something related to your radiator isn’t working properly. It could be the radiator itself or it could be the thermostat that regulates the temperature in the engine. Either way, you need to get it checked out.
If you see a puddle of green fluid under your car, you probably have a radiator leak, which could be from the radiator or the radiator hose. Don’t let the coolant completely drain out through the leak or your engine could overheat. Have a factory-trained technician determine the source of the leak and recommend the proper course of action. If the leak isn’t too big, they may be able to patch it rather than replace the radiator altogether.
If there’s rust on the outside of your radiator, chances are there is rust on the inside as well. Rust is a problem because when it mixes with coolant, it creates a thick substance that interferes with the coolant’s ability to cool your engine down. This substance can also cause the metal parts in your engine to corrode. If your radiator is rusted, you need to have it flushed so that all the contaminated coolant is removed from your car.
On occasion, air can become trapped in your radiator or radiator hose, which then prevents the coolant from flowing through the engine properly. This means it will not be able to cool your engine down as it should. Fortunately, this is a simple fix. Bring your car into a service center and the technician can remove any air bubbles that are in the cooling system without having to replace any parts.
When steam billows out from under your hood, you most likely have a problem with your cooling system. Steam is an indication that your car is overheating or that your water pump has failed. The water pump is designed to move coolant and water from the radiator to the engine and back again. If it’s not working properly, your car will overheat. The good news is that a water pump is usually less expensive than a full radiator replacement.
A radiator failure can cause your engine to overheat, which can then lead to a seized engine. If this happens, you’ll need to rebuild or replace the entire engine rather than just the radiator. By observing the signs of a failing radiator, you can limit the damage to your car. Book auto repairs with DARCARS Kia of Frederick to have your radiator inspected by a trained technician today.
It is important that an individual can recognize if there may be a problem with his or her vehicle, which can save time and money if a repair needs to be made. A radiator is an integral part of a vehicle that helps it run smoothly. With the right maintenance, it should run without problems for a few years. If a vehicle’s radiator goes bad, then it could have an impact on the entire automobile. A radiator keeps an engine cool and functions by removing the excess heat that accumulates when the vehicle’s engine burns fuel. If an engine is not able to stay cool, then it can lead to other problems including transmission failure. Here are some common issues that can identify if your vehicle needs cooling system service or repair.
One common sign a radiator is going bad is if it is leaking coolant, which can be caused by a crack. If there is green liquid found under a vehicle, then the radiator should be inspected to identify the area where the leak is present. A mechanic can perform a pressure test to determine the source of the leak. If the leak is not too big, then a mechanic can patch is or replace the broken part. A radiator hose can also be the source of a leak that is easily identified. More than likely if there is a leak, then it is located in the hoses. An individual can look to see if any steam is coming out of the radiator, which will identify the location of the leak. In order to keep a radiator running smoothly, it is important to replace hoses on a regular basis.
If there is rust present throughout the radiator, then it could cause significant damage to a cooling system. When a piece of rust falls into the engine, it can produce a thick liquid when it is mixed with the coolant, which will not cause the engine to cool. When this occurs, the radiator must be flushed in order to remove all the coolant that has acquired rust. Rust mixed with coolant produces a sludge that can lead to corrosion.
A radiator works by reducing the engine’s coolant before it circulates through the engine, which can loose effectiveness throughout time. When this occurs, an engine will run at a higher temperature than normal. Over time, this could lead to the engine overheating. A thermostat is present in an engine that records the coolant’s temperature. If the temperature gets too high, then a signal will be sent to your gauge. If an individual is driving and notices the temperature of the coolant reading too high, then it is important he or she pulls over and allows the the engine to cool. If an individual continues to drive, it could cause the engine to overheat.
Another factor that can lead to radiator problems is if a thermostat fails. Although the thermostat is not part of the radiator, it is vital in helping the radiator function properly. The thermostat is one of the most common factors that leads to an engine overheating. If the thermostat fails, then the vehicle will start to overheat at a rapid pace.
There are instances when air can become trapped in the cooling system. If this occurs, then it will prevent the coolant from flowing properly, which will result in the coolant not working like it should. If a vehicle is running hot due to trapped air, then a mechanic can remove air bubbles that accumulated in the cooling system.
If a water pump fails, then the cooling system will not be able to pump the coolant throughout the engine and regulate the temperature properly. As water travels through the radiator, it goes into the pump and the engine and then moves back into the radiator. When the water pump fails, then a vehicle will more than likely overheat because the circulation is no longer functioning effectively. A failed water pump is common among radiator problems.
If there is an obstruction in the cooling system, then it will block the the cooling passages. When the engine and radiator do not receive the right flow of coolant, then it it can cause radiator problems. Obstructions can also happen if air is restricted to flow through the radiator. When air is not able to flow through the radiator, then the radiator will not be able to properly transfer heat to the air.
If there are signs that your vehicle is overheating due to radiator problems, then it is vital to locate and repair the problem quickly. If a faulty radiator is not repaired, then it could also cause damage to the transmission if the transmission fluid is cooled using the radiator. It’s much easier and less expensive to correct a problem with your cooling system than it is to repair your transmission.
If you feel you’re experiencing any of the issues above then contact A&J Automotive today to schedule an appointment. If you’re in need of immediate assistance, come directly to our shop at 5001 Departure Dr in Raleigh.