Your car’s radiator keeps the engine running at the correct temperature and stops it from overheating. When the radiator doesn’t work correctly, and you don’t get it sorted out swiftly, it can lead to a costly radiator repair.
Your Vehicle Will Overheat
The primary function of your vehicle’s radiator is to keep the engine cool. A good reason to get your car’s radiator fixed is when you notice that the temperature gauge is in the red zone and is constantly overheating. This means your vehicle is too hot and will cause steam to billow out from under the hood. A faulty thermostat that doesn’t open will likely cause the engine to overheat.
Leaking Coolant
Coolant removes heat from the engine to stop your car from overheating. If you need to add coolant more frequently, or your dashboard coolant warning light is on, check for leaks. When you see a bright green, yellow, or red spot under your car, it means that either your radiator or a hose is likely leaking.
Coolant runs between your radiator and your car’s hot engine to keep the temperature down. This creates pressure. The hoses can come loose or degrade with time, leak, and will ultimately cause overheating. When you see coolant leaking, you need to get your car to a qualified technician to determine where the source of the leak is and to fix it as soon as possible.
Impurities in the Coolant
When coolant is discolored and has a brownish appearance, it means you have a contaminant build-up that will influence the radiator performance. This is commonly referred to as gunk or sludge. It’s a thick jumble of debris that obstructs the flow and prevents the radiator from pumping the correct volume of coolant to the engine.
If there is not enough coolant to lower the heat, the engine will get too hot. The leaking fluid will run out onto the hot parts and leave stains that will rust.
Clogged Fins
In order to work, radiators need airflow. The fins or tubes need to always be free of road dirt, bugs, and other objects to allow the air through freely when you drive. This is to lower the temperature of the coolant. Debris and hard objects such as stones flying through the air can also bend the fins. It will obstruct the airflow and prevent the coolant from cooling down and likely lead to an overheating engine.
Malfunctioning Thermostat or Water Pump
The thermostat and the water pump must work well for the coolant system to operate effectively. If the thermostat and the water pump do not work well, the radiator can not do its job. If the thermostat breaks, the system will not let fluid into the radiator. A broken water pump will prevent the system from getting enough pressure to circulate the coolant.
Keeping your radiator in good condition is key to the overall performance of your car. Trust DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville for all of your auto service needs, including radiator repair. We have skilled technicians and advanced technology to ensure your vehicle’s radiator is in excellent condition! Schedule a service or contact our repair center today if you have any questions!
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