How do You Know When Your Radiator is Bad?
If you have not yet scheduled an inspection of your car’s radiator and cooling system after surviving the hot temperatures of summer, it would be wise to do so before winter’s freezing temperatures have arrived. An important component that keeps your vehicle performing strongly is the radiator. Don’t neglect to have it inspected along with the other components of the cooling system.
Here are three main issues that will indicate how do you know when your radiator is bad:
- Leaking antifreeze. A puddle under the car where you park that is green, pink, or orange, or an unusual sweet smell, are signs that the radiator unit or a hose has developed a leak. Schedule a radiator repair as soon as possible as the level of water and coolant can get too low before you notice problems.
- Hot engine. When the coolant level drops too low, your engine will start to overheat and you could see smoke coming from under the hood. Pullover as soon as you safely can if you see the temperature gauge rising, or if you see a warning light on the instrument panel. You will need to call a tow truck as it is not safe to keep driving your car. Catching the problem early and taking care of a needed repair can be done with relatively little expense or time before damage occurs in the engine.
- Sludge deposits. Contamination in the coolant from dirt or engine particles will turn the coolant into a dark rusty or oil color, resulting in sludge buildup.
Here is a checklist of the things related to the radiator that should be inspected on a regular basis. Please remember that radiator repair should only be performed by a certified mechanic:
- Fluid level—Top off or flush as needed,
- Signs of corrosion and oxidation,
- Properly working thermostat and fan,
- Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or leaking.
Worried about how do you know when your radiator is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about radiator repair and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
If you have not yet scheduled an inspection of your car’s radiator and cooling system after surviving the hot temperatures of summer, it would be wise to do so before winter’s freezing temperatures have arrived. An important component that keeps your vehicle performing strongly is the radiator. Don’t neglect to have it inspected along with the other components of the cooling system.
Here are three main issues that will indicate how do you know when your radiator is bad:
- Leaking antifreeze. A puddle under the car where you park that is green, pink, or orange, or an unusual sweet smell, are signs that the radiator unit or a hose has developed a leak. Schedule a radiator repair as soon as possible as the level of water and coolant can get too low before you notice problems.
- Hot engine. When the coolant level drops too low, your engine will start to overheat and you could see smoke coming from under the hood. Pullover as soon as you safely can if you see the temperature gauge rising, or if you see a warning light on the instrument panel. You will need to call a tow truck as it is not safe to keep driving your car. Catching the problem early and taking care of a needed repair can be done with relatively little expense or time before damage occurs in the engine.
- Sludge deposits. Contamination in the coolant from dirt or engine particles will turn the coolant into a dark rusty or oil color, resulting in sludge buildup.
Here is a checklist of the things related to the radiator that should be inspected on a regular basis. Please remember that radiator repair should only be performed by a certified mechanic:
- Fluid level—Top off or flush as needed,
- Signs of corrosion and oxidation,
- Properly working thermostat and fan,
- Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or leaking.
Worried about how do you know when your radiator is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about radiator repair and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
