How Do You Know When Your Radiator is Bad?
The radiator plays a major role in keeping your engine from overheating. Thus, it is important that it is inspected and serviced periodically so that it remains in good working condition. With basic radiator service, most radiators will last for the life of your vehicle, at the least eight to ten years. However, there may be some conditions that could cause your radiator to fail. To keep your car operating safely, you may be faced with a radiator replacement.
Signs of how do you know when your radiator is bad:
- Leaking coolant. If there is a puddle of antifreeze under your car (it could be green, pink, or orange), this is a sign that there is a crack in a hose or the radiator unit. When the level of coolant gets too low, the engine and radiator will overheat.
- Clogged lines. If the hoses and lines of the radiator are clogged with sludge and debris, the coolant cannot circulate to keep the engine cooled.
- Corrosion. Corrosion on the radiator is caused by frequent exposure to salt from the ocean or salted roads.
- Sludge Build-up. Dirt or engine particles can contaminate the coolant, turning it into a dark rusty or oil color. Radiator service will keep this sludge flushed out.
- Quality of Material. The radiator may be made of plastic and aluminum instead of steel.
A word of advice: Regular radiator service will help keep your radiator in good condition sot if any hoses or parts that wear out will be replaced promptly and also ensure that the coolant is kept at the correct level.
Need to know more about how do you know when your radiator is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about radiator service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
The radiator plays a major role in keeping your engine from overheating. Thus, it is important that it is inspected and serviced periodically so that it remains in good working condition. With basic radiator service, most radiators will last for the life of your vehicle, at the least eight to ten years. However, there may be some conditions that could cause your radiator to fail. To keep your car operating safely, you may be faced with a radiator replacement.
Signs of how do you know when your radiator is bad:
- Leaking coolant. If there is a puddle of antifreeze under your car (it could be green, pink, or orange), this is a sign that there is a crack in a hose or the radiator unit. When the level of coolant gets too low, the engine and radiator will overheat.
- Clogged lines. If the hoses and lines of the radiator are clogged with sludge and debris, the coolant cannot circulate to keep the engine cooled.
- Corrosion. Corrosion on the radiator is caused by frequent exposure to salt from the ocean or salted roads.
- Sludge Build-up. Dirt or engine particles can contaminate the coolant, turning it into a dark rusty or oil color. Radiator service will keep this sludge flushed out.
- Quality of Material. The radiator may be made of plastic and aluminum instead of steel.
A word of advice: Regular radiator service will help keep your radiator in good condition sot if any hoses or parts that wear out will be replaced promptly and also ensure that the coolant is kept at the correct level.
Need to know more about how do you know when your radiator is bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about radiator service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
