One of the biggest dangers to your car’s long-term health comes from the radiator, which cools the engine and protects it from overheating or internal damage. If you see that your car has any of these common radiator problems listed below, it may be time to take it to the auto repair shop to get fixed up before any permanent damage occurs to your engine!
As an auto repair shop in Lafayette, Indiana, Beck’s Auto Center has seen loads of radiator problems, and we’re here to walk you through their solutions!
1: Leaking coolant
A leak in your car’s radiator can cause coolant to escape, which can lead to your engine overheating. To check for a leak, first look for signs of coolant on the ground under your car.
Coolant normally has a yellow, greenish hue color and a sweet, distinct smell. But some cars have pink or purple coolant, mostly European and some Japanese cars.
If you see spilled coolant, it’s time to take your car to the mechanic. Additionally, listen for hissing sounds while your car is running. Finally, open up the hood and use a flashlight to inspect the entire surface of the radiator. If you notice an orange coloration around any part of it, then there’s definitely a leak! Also check around the inside of your engine compartment for pools of coolant or wet components where coolant may have sprayed out.
2: Excessive Pressure within the Cooling Syste
One of the most dangerous radiator problems is when there’s too much pressure within the cooling system. This can cause your radiator to burst, and it can also lead to engine damage. If you notice that your car’s temperature gauge is rising higher than normal, or if you see steam coming from under the hood, pull over and call a tow truck immediately. These are 2 signs that there might be excessive pressure in the cooling system.
3: Steam Coming from Underneath Your Hood
If you notice steam coming from underneath your hood, it’s time to take your car to the mechanic. This is usually a sign that your radiator is leaking and needs to be repaired or replaced. Don’t ignore this problem, as it can lead to engine damage if left unchecked. A leaky radiator will make your engine run hotter than normal. In turn, this causes excess wear on your engine components like belts and hoses which may cause problems with your vehicle’s performance in the future.
The 2 most common causes of leaks are worn-out hoses or clogged coolant passages leading to cracked tubes in radiators. Clogged passages can be flushed out by running water through them while they’re still attached to the vehicle but they should always be replaced when they’re too corroded for flushing.
4: Burning Smell from Your Engine Area
If you notice a burning smell coming from your engine area, it’s time to take your car to the auto repair shop. This could be a sign of a coolant leak, which can cause your engine to overheat. Don’t ignore this problem, as it could lead to serious engine damage. The technician may not be able to fix the problem and may need to replace some or all of your radiator components.
5: Noisy Cooling System
If your car’s cooling system is making noise, it could be a sign that the radiator needs attention. The radiator may be full of sediment and need to be flushed, or there may be a leak in the system. If you notice any coolant leaks, take your car to the mechanic right away.
Another problem that can cause noise is a loose fan belt. The fan belt connects the water pump to the engine, and if it’s loose, it can squeal or make other noises. If you hear a noise coming from your cooling system, have your mechanic check it out.
Trust Beck’s Auto Center
As a local, auto repair shop with 50 years of experience, Beck’s Auto Center can diagnose your cooling problems and repair or replace your radiator if need be!
Read reviews from our happy clients, and schedule an appointment online or call (765) 563-5455 for more help!