From Leaks to Clogs: The Most Common Radiator Issues and How to Fix Them
Don’t Get Stuck on the Side of the Road: How to Repair a Faulty Radiator
Your radiator is a part of your car that you often don’t consider until there’s a problem. The radiator, thermostat, and water pump make up your car’s cooling system. If there’s a problem with the cooling system, your engine can become hot and cause the car to overheat and fail. Without something to cool it down, your engine can run around 200° F, and the heat can wreak havoc with other components under the hood.
Stay Ahead of the Game: Tips for Preventing Radiator Problems in Your Vehicle
There are several common causes of problems with radiators. They include leaks such as those in the radiator radiator itself and leaky hoses in the system. Over time, the hoses in the system will either decorate or become loose, allowing coolant to escape the system. If you see green fluid under your car and smell something sweet, it’s a sign that your radiator is leaking. Rust is a fairly common occurrence with a steel car. Just because you don’t see us doesn’t mean it’s not happening in your car. Your radiator can rust if it’s exposed to liquid. If your car is running hot, check your radiator for rust. Another problem with radiators is that they’re commonly filled with gunk and other obstructions. Mineral deposits are products of coolant, debris, and other buildup in your radiator, making it harder for the radiator to cool the engine. Often, a gunk problem is connected to a rust problem. Make sure to have your mechanic check for rust build-up inside the radiator. The coolant system in your car is made up of many parts. The coolant system includes more than just the radiator. It consists of a water pump and thermostat. If the thermostat fails in your car, it will not recognize that it’s time to release fluid to the radiator. Suppose the water pump fails in your car. In that case, it will not have the pressure to circulate the coolant to your radiator. Another problem with radiators is that you can get an overheated engine for nearly any reason. For example, if you’re sitting in traffic or idling for some reason, a failed radiator fan could mean that the coolant system stops working. Suppose you notice any of these signs of a failing radiator. In that case, you need to take the car to an authorized mechanic for repair.
Preventative maintenance on your vehicle can help you catch a coolant system problem before it becomes an expensive and long-term repair. Examine your hoses and look for places where they’re worn, or there are holes. You will also want to check your fan belts to ensure they’re in good working order. You can also look at your radiator for rest and discoloration. Be aware of your cooling system so that you recognize if the engine’s temperature is higher or lower than you expect it to be. If you suffer a drastic temperature change, the ability to cool your engine can indicate leakage
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Bring Your Radiator Problems to Us
At Austin’s Pro Max, our mechanics pride themselves on providing high-quality auto care. They’ve spent years fine-tuning their process and standards and will continue to do so in the future. When you visit Austin’s Pro Max, they will consider your budget, car make, and model when developing a service plan to repair your vehicle. Call us today at one of our three Tacoma area locations so we can begin inspecting and diagnosing your car.