Most drivers understand that a radiator in good condition is vital for the overall operation of your car. Its main purpose is to keep the engine from overheating. If you’ve ever lifted the hood of your car after driving for a while, you are aware that the engine produces extreme heat. This heat is absorbed by the coolant from the radiator circulating through the engine, then returning to the radiator to be cooled off.
Whether you’re headed out on a summer road trip, or even for your short commute to work, it is important that the radiator is in good condition. To prevent a costly repair to replace the radiator, make sure there aren’t any problems described below, which would end up damaging the engine and transmission.
So if you’re wondering how do you know if your car radiator is bad, here are five common signs to watch out for:
- Overheating Engine – There is not a sufficient flow of coolant to the engine and you will see the temperature gauge rising on the dash panel.
- Leaking coolant – There may be cracks in the radiator unit allowing coolant to leak out. You may see steam coming from the radiator .
- Cracked hose – The connecting hose from the radiator to the engine has developed a crack and coolant is leaking.
- Thermostat Failure – If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it will prohibit the flow of coolant to the engine.
- A smoking muffler – The head gasket may have been damaged by an overheating engine.
A Word of Advice: Because the radiator is the major component of the cooling system, it is important that you keep up with regular service so that you don’t get stranded on your summer road trip looking for an auto shop to replace the radiator.
Wondering how do you know if your car radiator is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about replacing a radiator and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Most drivers understand that a radiator in good condition is vital for the overall operation of your car. Its main purpose is to keep the engine from overheating. If you’ve ever lifted the hood of your car after driving for a while, you are aware that the engine produces extreme heat. This heat is absorbed by the coolant from the radiator circulating through the engine, then returning to the radiator to be cooled off.
Whether you’re headed out on a summer road trip, or even for your short commute to work, it is important that the radiator is in good condition. To prevent a costly repair to replace the radiator, make sure there aren’t any problems described below, which would end up damaging the engine and transmission.
So if you’re wondering how do you know if your car radiator is bad, here are five common signs to watch out for:
- Overheating Engine – There is not a sufficient flow of coolant to the engine and you will see the temperature gauge rising on the dash panel.
- Leaking coolant – There may be cracks in the radiator unit allowing coolant to leak out. You may see steam coming from the radiator .
- Cracked hose – The connecting hose from the radiator to the engine has developed a crack and coolant is leaking.
- Thermostat Failure – If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it will prohibit the flow of coolant to the engine.
- A smoking muffler – The head gasket may have been damaged by an overheating engine.
A Word of Advice: Because the radiator is the major component of the cooling system, it is important that you keep up with regular service so that you don’t get stranded on your summer road trip looking for an auto shop to replace the radiator.
Wondering how do you know if your car radiator is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about replacing a radiator and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
