3 Warning Signs of a Bad Radiator!
It’s that time of year when people are starting to plan their summer road trips. You’re ready for some fresh scenery after the cold and dark days of winter. An important part of your vehicle to have serviced before you head down the road is the radiator and cooling system. Be alert for the signs of a bad radiator so that the hot temperatures don’t wreak havoc with your radiator and leave you stranded on the side of the road with a car that won’t run.
Here are three common warning signs to watch for if you have a bad radiator:
- Overheating engine – Overheating will occur when the coolant cannot get where it needs to go to cool the engine. The hoses could be clogged, or the level of coolant is too low. There may be a warning light on the dashboard, or the temperature gauge will show too hot. Get your car off the road immediately to prevent damaging your engine.
- Coolant Leaks – If there is a cracked hose, or the radiator is corroded with rust, you may notice the smell of antifreeze or a tell-tale puddle on the garage floor.
- Smoke – If you smoke is coming from under the hood, the coolant may have leaked onto the motor and it is being burnt off. However, if you see smoke coming from the muffler, it could mean that the head gasket has been damaged from the engine overheating.
Routine radiator inspections are important as your mechanic will check the hoses and radiator unit for leaking and to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture is still effective. Radiator repair will consist of either flushing the cooling system, or at the least, topping-off the coolant level in the radiator.
Need to know for the signs of a bad radiator? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about radiator repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
It’s that time of year when people are starting to plan their summer road trips. You’re ready for some fresh scenery after the cold and dark days of winter. An important part of your vehicle to have serviced before you head down the road is the radiator and cooling system. Be alert for the signs of a bad radiator so that the hot temperatures don’t wreak havoc with your radiator and leave you stranded on the side of the road with a car that won’t run.
Here are three common warning signs to watch for if you have a bad radiator:
- Overheating engine – Overheating will occur when the coolant cannot get where it needs to go to cool the engine. The hoses could be clogged, or the level of coolant is too low. There may be a warning light on the dashboard, or the temperature gauge will show too hot. Get your car off the road immediately to prevent damaging your engine.
- Coolant Leaks – If there is a cracked hose, or the radiator is corroded with rust, you may notice the smell of antifreeze or a tell-tale puddle on the garage floor.
- Smoke – If you smoke is coming from under the hood, the coolant may have leaked onto the motor and it is being burnt off. However, if you see smoke coming from the muffler, it could mean that the head gasket has been damaged from the engine overheating.
Routine radiator inspections are important as your mechanic will check the hoses and radiator unit for leaking and to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture is still effective. Radiator repair will consist of either flushing the cooling system, or at the least, topping-off the coolant level in the radiator.
Need to know for the signs of a bad radiator? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about radiator repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
