Are you worried your car radiator isn’t functioning properly? Or, do you want to know how to spot a bad radiator just in case?
Radiators are a key piece of equipment to ensure our vehicles run smoothly. So, when they stop operating correctly, it can cause severe issues.
Not only will you be without your vehicle for a while, but, it’s likely to cost you a lot in repairs. Fortunately, you can avoid this if you know what to look out for.
In this article, we’ll share three signs of a bad radiator you need to be aware of.
Read on for more information.
1. Your Vehicle Keeps Overheating
If the radiator isn’t working properly, then it will not be cooling down the coolant going into the engine. As a result, the engine will start to overheat.
When this happens, you may notice the following:
- Steam coming from the hood
- The hood becoming too hot to touch
- A lack of engine power
- A flashing light or high-temperature gauge on your dashboard
If any of these things happen, pull over immediately and turn the engine off. This will help to cool the engine and prevent more damage.
You should then contact a local mechanic or breakdown recovery for help.
2. A Build-Up of Sludge in Your Radiator
A clogged radiator won’t be able to function properly and can cause a variety of issues.
The coolant in your radiator should be red, green, or yellow. But, if the coolant appears to be any other color, this can be a sign that there is a contaminant build-up within.
So, if you start to notice this then ask your mechanic to check it out immediately.
3. Having to Fill up Your Coolant Constantly
One of the most common signs of a bad radiator is always having a low coolant level.
How often you need to top up the coolant varies between vehicles, but, it’s not something you need to do each week. So if you are having to regularly fill it up, then it’s likely there is something wrong with your radiator.
In a lot of cases, it’s likely to be a leak so you’ll need to get it fixed ASAP. A low coolant level can result in damage to the engine which could keep your vehicle out of action for weeks.
Finally, for radiator repair and servicing, check out Delta Automotive. They’ll be able to identify any problems quickly and keep your radiator operating smoothly.
The Most Common Signs of a Bad Radiator You Should Know
We hope our guide has been useful and informative to you.
As you can see, there are many signs of a bad radiator. If you notice any of these, ensure you get your vehicle inspected immediately. The quicker you do, the more likely it won’t cost the earth to repair.
Finally, check out our blog for more auto tips.