5 Faulty Radiator Symptoms You Should Know!

A faulty radiator can lead to all sorts of problems, from engine overheating to loss of power. In this blog post, Cutter Mazda Waipahu will go over the most common signs of a faulty radiator so that you can identify them early and get your car fixed before it causes any more damage.

What Is a Car Radiator?

Before we jump into the signs of a faulty radiator, let’s first review what a radiator is and does.

The main component of a car’s cooling system is its radiator. It is responsible for cooling your engine by circulating coolant through it. As the coolant circulates, it absorbs heat from the engine and releases it into the air as it travels through the radiator fins.

This process of cooling the engine is essential to keeping your car running correctly. The engine overheats can cause many problems, including engine damage.

Symptoms of a Faulty Radiator

Several symptoms can indicate your radiator is going bad. Keep an eye out for the following:

Overheated Engine:

The primary indicator that your radiator is or has failed is an overheated engine. Many moving parts in your engine operate at high speeds. Heat accumulation results from insufficient cooling, increasing friction. If enough heat is generated, internal components may melt, necessitating the engine replacement.

Radiator Leaking Coolant:

Leaking coolant is another symptom of a faulty radiator. You may notice a greenish, orange, or pink fluid leaking under your car. The leak will likely be small at first, but it will gradually worsen as the radiator continues to break down.

Radiator leaks frequently leave pools of coolant on the ground, making them quite noticeable. Some vehicles’ extra underbody panels might conceal leaks.

Discolored or Sludgy Coolant:

If you notice that your coolant has a rusty color or become sludgy, it’s another sign that your radiator is going bad. Clean coolants will mix with contaminants like radiator rust, oil leaks, and transmission fluid and change color or lose viscosity when they enter the cooling system.

Lack of Coolant:

The level of coolant will decrease if your radiator is leaking. Your engine will overheat if the coolant level falls too low because it will be unable to perform its function. In addition, driving with a low coolant level can cause severe damage to your engine.

Damaged or Clogged Radiator Fins:

Radiator fins are the thin metal blades that protrude from the sides and back of the radiator. They help dissipate heat by providing more surface area for air to circulate. Over time, damage to these fins can occur from normal driving conditions or road debris. Once damaged, they no longer provide adequate cooling, and your engine will overheat.

Final Thoughts:

If you notice any of the above symptoms, taking action is crucial. An overheating engine can cause severe damage, and a leaking radiator can lead to low coolant levels and further engine damage. Be sure to check your radiator regularly for wear and tear, and have it serviced as needed to keep your engine running smoothly.

Visit Cutter Mazda Waipahu, serving Waipahu, HI, for all your automobile requirements. Our technicians will provide the best service, regardless of whether your request is for essential maintenance or something more involved. Equally crucial, we’ll get you back on the road right afterward so you can continue your day.

Schedule your service today!

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