How Do You Know If Your Radiator Is Bad?
A vital part of our vehicle that we often overlook in winter is the radiator. In cold temperatures, the coolant in the radiator freezes and expands, adding stress to the radiator. This can lead to cracks, which leads to leaks, resulting in damage to the transmission.
Damage to the radiator can cause a ripple effect throughout the car and make the car stop running completely. As strange as it may seem, an engine can overheat even during freezing temperatures. Don’t wait until this happens. What could have been a minor radiator repair can turn into a major radiator and possibly even a transmission job!
So how do you know if your radiator is bad?
- Overheating engine – This could be caused by the flow of coolant restricted due to air inside the cooling system, clogged hoses, or too low of coolant level.
- Leaking Radiator – There may be cracks in the radiator unit caused by freezing and expanding of fluid.
- Hose Leak – The radiator is connected to the engine by a hose for easy flow of coolant. Hoses and clamps wear out over time and should be inspected frequently.
- Thermostat Failure – If the thermostat fails, there will be no flow of coolant and the car will overheat.
- Smoking from the Muffler – This could mean the head gasket has been damaged from an overheating engine.
Winter is still here for a while to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture in your radiator is still effective. A flush of the cooling system may be recommended, or it may simply need to be topped off.
Wondering how to know if your radiator is bad? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about radiator repair services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
A vital part of our vehicle that we often overlook in winter is the radiator. In cold temperatures, the coolant in the radiator freezes and expands, adding stress to the radiator. This can lead to cracks, which leads to leaks, resulting in damage to the transmission.
Damage to the radiator can cause a ripple effect throughout the car and make the car stop running completely. As strange as it may seem, an engine can overheat even during freezing temperatures. Don’t wait until this happens. What could have been a minor radiator repair can turn into a major radiator and possibly even a transmission job!
So how do you know if your radiator is bad?
- Overheating engine – This could be caused by the flow of coolant restricted due to air inside the cooling system, clogged hoses, or too low of coolant level.
- Leaking Radiator – There may be cracks in the radiator unit caused by freezing and expanding of fluid.
- Hose Leak – The radiator is connected to the engine by a hose for easy flow of coolant. Hoses and clamps wear out over time and should be inspected frequently.
- Thermostat Failure – If the thermostat fails, there will be no flow of coolant and the car will overheat.
- Smoking from the Muffler – This could mean the head gasket has been damaged from an overheating engine.
Winter is still here for a while to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture in your radiator is still effective. A flush of the cooling system may be recommended, or it may simply need to be topped off.
Wondering how to know if your radiator is bad? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about radiator repair services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
