What are the Signs of a Bad Radiator?
We’re heading to the end of summer and most people have either been on a summer road trip or are getting ready to head down the road one last time before school starts. If you have not already scheduled radiator repair services for your cooling system, it’s not too late. Don’t be left on the side of the road with an overheating engine.
What are the signs of a bad radiator? Take a look at the three problems below:
- An overheating engine – Overheating will occur when the coolant cannot get to where it needs to go to cool the engine. The hoses could be clogged, or the level of coolant is too low. You should see a warning light on the dashboard or the temperature gauge will rise to the hot zone. Get your car off the road immediately to prevent damaging your engine.
- Coolant leak – If you see a puddle on the garage floor or notice the smell of antifreeze, there may be a cracked hose or the radiator is corroded with rust. Radiator hoses and clamps are subject to normal wear and should be inspected frequently.
- A smoking car – If there is smoke coming from under the hood, it may simply be coolant that has leaked onto the motor and is being burnt off. However, smoke coming from the muffler could mean that the head gasket has been damaged by the engine overheating.
Routine radiator repair services are important to check the hoses and radiator unit for leaking and to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture is still effective. A flush of the cooling system may be recommended, or the coolant level may simply need to be topped off.
Wondering what are the signs of a bad radiator? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about our 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.
We’re heading to the end of summer and most people have either been on a summer road trip or are getting ready to head down the road one last time before school starts. If you have not already scheduled radiator repair services for your cooling system, it’s not too late. Don’t be left on the side of the road with an overheating engine.
What are the signs of a bad radiator? Take a look at the three problems below:
- An overheating engine – Overheating will occur when the coolant cannot get to where it needs to go to cool the engine. The hoses could be clogged, or the level of coolant is too low. You should see a warning light on the dashboard or the temperature gauge will rise to the hot zone. Get your car off the road immediately to prevent damaging your engine.
- Coolant leak – If you see a puddle on the garage floor or notice the smell of antifreeze, there may be a cracked hose or the radiator is corroded with rust. Radiator hoses and clamps are subject to normal wear and should be inspected frequently.
- A smoking car – If there is smoke coming from under the hood, it may simply be coolant that has leaked onto the motor and is being burnt off. However, smoke coming from the muffler could mean that the head gasket has been damaged by the engine overheating.
Routine radiator repair services are important to check the hoses and radiator unit for leaking and to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture is still effective. A flush of the cooling system may be recommended, or the coolant level may simply need to be topped off.
Wondering what are the signs of a bad radiator? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about our 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.
