All posts tagged radiator

The most critical part of the cooling system of a vehicle is the radiator. The function of the radiator is to cool off the sizzling water that picked up the heat from the engine. If the radiator begins to malfunction or stops working properly altogether, then it needs to be repaired or replaced immediately because running a car hot will cause expensive problems.

For example, if it is not repaired or replaced in time, then the head can crack, or the entire engine will fail. There are indicators the radiator is experiencing problems, and they are pretty easy to spot. If you notice any of the three signs listed below, then you need to take immediate action.

The Car is Overheating

You may start to notice your car overheat for no reason. After years of the radiator cooling the coolant, it may simply begin to fail. In fact, it is the general consensus from establishments that deal almost exclusively with vehicle radiators like Natrad, that an overheating vehicle is the most common sign a radiator needs to be replaced. Years of usage can cause the internal lines to become restricted or clogged, which prevents water from running through them. The first step is to attempt to flush the radiator, and if flushing does not work, then you have to replace it.

There is Rust in the Radiator

The radiator is metal and water runs through the entire coolant system, so it is common for rust to form. Unfortunately, it can mean the end of the radiator and lead to engine failure. Rust leads to clogged cooling lines, and if the entire radiator gets clogged, the whole engine will overheat, and it will fail. When other parts to your car start to fail, repairs become very expensive to the point it might be worth just buying a new car.

There is Leaking Water

If you see a puddle of water under the car on a daily basis or several times a day, then there is a major leak problem. Water leakage does not always mean it is from the radiator, but the majority of leaks come from there. Adding dye to the water in the radiator is a good way to be precise about the problem. Let the dye sit overnight and scan the cooling system in the morning for any traces of it. If the leak is tracked back to the radiator, then it is time to replace it as soon as possible.

The radiator is the centerpiece of your car’s cooling system. They may be very expensive to replace. However, if problems are left untreated and the radiator malfunctions, then the engine is going to suffer catastrophic damage from getting too hot. People often ignore these problems and push their vehicles too far, and they end up having to buy a new car or take public transportation. So again, replacing the radiator may be expensive, but letting a problem with your radiator go unattended for a long period of time can result in more major and more expensive repairs. The radiator is crucial, so it needs to be well taken care of and replaced if necessary.