Exposed to heat, thermal
expansion and compression, water, corrosive chemicals, and other
damaging factors, a car’s radiator is subject to a high risk of
failure. A basic understanding of the warning signs that the radiator
in your vehicle is about to fail can help you address the issue
before it becomes a much bigger problem.
Leaking Coolant
A puddle of coolant in
your garage or on your driveway may indicate a cracked radiator. If
you chance upon one of these puddles under your car, a test performed
by a professional mechanic may be warranted to determine where the
leak is originating from.
Overheating
If your vehicle develops
a habit of constantly overheating, this may indicate a problem with
the radiator. If you can’t seem to find any leaks, and the fluid
levels in your radiator don’t drop, or you’ve checked the hoses
and fittings for clogs, and you’re sure the radiator fan works,
then a trip to your local repair shop for a radiator replacement may
be just the thing it needs.
Murky, Sludgy Coolant
If, when flushing your
radiator, you notice that the coolant you’ve drained out is rust-
or oil-colored, then this is a sure sign of a rusty radiator. Once a
vehicle develops this issue, a radiator replacement is almost
certainly warranted—as no amount of flushing and cleaning can
remedy a rusty radiator.
