Bad Radiators: How to Identify Them and What You Can Do About It

Ever had a nagging sense that something was amiss with your car, but you just couldn't put your finger on it? Maybe you've been driving around with the heat blasting for weeks, only to have the engine light come on out of nowhere.

 

One of the most typical problems with a vehicle is a faulty radiator. This blog post will outline signs of a defective radiator and how to identify bad radiators.

 

Keep a watch out for these warning symptoms, and if you think your radiator might be having issues, take it in for a check-up!

 

 

Five Signs of a Faulty Radiator:

 

Bad radiators can cause all sorts of problems for your car - from decreased performance to engine damage. Here are five signs of a faulty radiator:

 

Leaking coolant:

One of the most apparent signs of a faulty radiator is if you see coolant leaking from it. If your car is down on coolant, it can lead to overheating and severe engine damage.

 

Overheating:

If your car starts to run hotter than usual, it could be a sign that your radiator is not doing its job correctly. Pay attention to the temperature gauge on your dash - if it starts to creep into the red, pull over and give your car a chance to cool down.

 

Coolant in the oil:

Coolant in the oil is a sign that there may be severe engine damage. Get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent further problems!

 

White smoke from the exhaust:

Detecting white smoke from your car's exhaust could signal that coolant leaks into the cylinders. This leakage can cause engine damage, so it's essential to get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

 

Bad radiator caps:

If you're noticing coolant leaking from your engine, it could indicate that the radiator's cap is bad. That can lead to overheating and even damage! Fixing this issue as soon as possible helps prevent more expenses. So don't wait any longer - replace those old ones with new ones today for good measure.

 

How to Fix It?

To take precautions, you should take any suspicious-looking radiators to an expert. They can pressure test the system to see if there are any leaks. In addition, they will be checking the following to identify bad radiators and determine whether or not your radiator needs to be replaced:

  • The condition of the hoses
  • The condition of the radiator itself
  • Whether the system has leaks or not
  • If the radiator cap is sealing properly

After diagnosing the problem, they can tell you what needs to be done to fix it. Sometimes, a simple repair such as replacing a hose or the radiator cap will do the trick. However, if the radiator is damaged, it must be replaced.

 

Bad radiators can be a pain, but they are usually easy to fix. Make sure to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you suspect there may be a problem. With their help, you'll have your vehicle back on the road in no time.

 

This blog post will help you identify bad radiators and what to do about them. It's important for drivers like yourself who are shopping at Brandon Honda, serving Lutz, FL, that their cars run well, so we hope this information helps!

 

We can help with all your automotive needs, from finding the perfect new or used car to scheduling a service appointment.

Don't let a bad radiator ruin your day!

July 21, 2022
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