Radiators play a crucial role in keeping a vehicle at an optimal temperature. Over time, however, they can become worn and damaged, which can lead to a number of problems — but nothing a quality radiator repair near you can’t fix.
One of the most common causes of radiator problems is the build-up of dirt and grime within the radiator. This buildup can occur due to a variety of factors, including poor maintenance practices or exposure to corrosive substances like salt or chemicals.
Radiator problems can be difficult to spot, but they’re usually easy to diagnose when you know what to look for. If you notice any of these signs in your car, it may be time to have your radiator professionally cleaned or replaced.
Your car is overheating
When your car is overheating, you probably notice the engine getting hotter and the interior temperature climbing. Not only can this make you uncomfortable, but it can also damage your car’s components.
Excess heat can cause a buildup of pressure in the radiator, which can lead to fluid leaking out of the radiator and onto the engine. Over time, this can cause irreversible damage to your vehicle.
To prevent this from happening, you should make sure to check your car’s coolant levels every month and replace any cracked hoses or clogged filters as soon as possible. If you see any signs of overheating, such as puddling water on the ground or excessive white smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe, contact a mechanic right away.
Your radiator is rusting
Rust can develop on the radiator and can cause the engine to overheat. As cars age, water can seep into the radiator and become rusty. This will eventually cause corrosion on the radiator, which can lead to overheating.
When you see signs of rusting on your car’s radiator, it means there is potential for serious damage to occur if it isn’t fixed immediately. If you notice rust around your radiator, it’s time to visit a professional for radiator repair near you.
Your radiator is leaking fluid
There are a number of reasons that your radiator could be leaking fluid. It might be caused by a crack or tear in the radiator itself, or it could be the result of a larger problem with the engine.
If your radiator is leaking, you’ll want to get it checked out as soon as possible. Once you know what the issue is, you can take steps to prevent a repeat performance.
Another common cause of a leaking radiator is an overfilled cooling system, which can lead to overheating and excessive wear on the vehicle’s system components. This can also damage your vehicle’s electrical system if too much fluid gets into the car battery.
If you’re noticing a slow leak from your car’s radiator, it is time to get it professionally checked.
Your thermostat is busted
If your car’s thermostat is broken, your car’s radiator will be unable to cool off the engine to prevent overheating and damage. This can lead to your car’s performance and efficiency getting diminished, as well as overheating issues with the motor itself.
A damaged or cracked thermostat can lead to water leaking from the radiator, which can weaken it and cause it to fail. This can lead to engine overheating, which can damage your car’s engine.
The first thing you should do if you suspect your thermostat is broken is to check your radiator fluid level. If you find that the radiator level is fine, then you need to take a look at your cooling system for signs of a broken thermostat.
You might see some evidence of rust or other corrosion on the parts that the water passes through on its way from the radiator to the engine cooling fins. If you find any of these signs, then it’s definitely time to call in an auto repair professional.
Your car has low coolant levels
Coolant refers to the fluid that is used to keep your car’s engine cool. As long as your coolant level is between the minimum and maximum marks on your dipstick, you don’t need to worry about low coolant levels.
However, if your coolant level dips below the minimum mark or rises above the maximum mark, this could lead to a number of coolant-related issues such as overheating or transmission problems. When you see that the coolant level is low, this could be a sign that there is a leak in your cooling system, and it’s time to get the car checked out by a mechanic. If you’re looking for superior radiator repair near you, Meridian Automotive is always happy to help. We are equipped to service all car makes and models and our certified technicians will make sure to get your vehicle roadworthy in no time.