Radiator’s Busted? Read Below to Find out Why

Every car relies on its radiator to keep the engine cool so that it doesn’t burn itself out on the road. As such, radiators need to be in good condition at all times to minimize the risks of a blowout, engine failure, or worse. A mechanic is usually the best person to diagnose a radiator problem, although there are certain telltale signs every vehicle owner would do well to keep in mind.

Radiator failure could typically be attributed to coolant loss, a broken auxiliary fan, or the accumulation of particulates between its parts. As such, it is important to inspect a radiator periodically for rust, road debris, dirt, and the like. A quick inspection under the hood may reveal leaks in the radiator wires and fittings, which may cause the car to overheat.

If the leaks are too extensive, then the radiator may need to be replaced. Meanwhile, the age of the radiator could also be a contributing factor given that older radiators are known to be much more susceptible to leaks and rusting because of the degree of wear and tear they have suffered through the years. As such, older radiators are often better off replaced rather than repaired.