6 Most Common Signs Your Car Needs a Radiator Repair6 Most Common Signs Your Car Needs a Radiator Repair

When your car engine is running, it produces heat which needs to be regulated. The primary role of the radiator is to prevent the engine from overheating. An overheating engine may lead to widespread engine damage besides countless enforced stopovers by the roadside as you wait for the temperatures to go down. Find out the common signs your car is due for a radiator repair.

1. Rising Temperature Gauge

As you drive, keep an eye on the temperature gauge, which indicates how efficient the radiator is cooling the engine. If the needle is moving swiftly towards the hot direction, it is a sign that the radiator is not cooling the engine as fast as it should. Pull over and let the engine cool down. You can then complete the journey and plan for a radiator checkup as soon as possible.

2. Coolant Leaks Beneath Your Car

After parking your car in one spot, you may notice leaks under your vehicle, indicating that the coolant might be leaking from the hose or from the radiator itself. Leakages happen when the radiator is rusty, and holes start forming on the radiator tank. Delay in flushing the radiator means that the rust will continue eating away the tank, hugely impairing the radiator’s ability to cool the engine.

3. Black Smoke From the Tailpipe

When the radiator is leaking fluids, there is a likelihood that it will trickle into the hot engine parts. The fluid will burn up and produce smoke which will come out through the tailpipe. When you see this smoke, it is time to have your radiator checked for leaks by radiator service experts.

4. Discolored Coolant

The standard color of a car coolant is bright green or red-pink. If you notice your coolant turning brown, it is an indication that the coolant is contaminated with rust, sludge, or other internal deposits. Adding more coolant or distilled water will only accelerate the rusting. The best course of action is to have the radiator flushed to get rid of these contaminants.

5. Damaged Radiator Fins

When the radiator is working perfectly, air should flow freely through the radiator fins. However, fins are prone to damage during high-pressure washing or from a fender bender accident. If the fins are damaged, bent, or blocked, sufficient air does not flow in, resulting in an overheating engine. Taking care of the fins through regular checkups is essential in keeping the radiator in excellent working condition.

6. Dysfunctional Cabin Heater

If you notice that your car’s heater is not working properly, there could be a problem with the radiator. The heat necessary to warm your car relies on the heated coolant passing through the core, producing hot air, which gets blown inside the cabin. A clogged radiator means you do not get the heat to keep you warm when you need it most.

Don’t let a damaged radiator disrupt your driving experience. Visit South Tacoma Honda today and get your radiator checked. Our team is on standby to provide honest assessments, simplified explanations, and prompt repair.