If you own a vehicle, it’s a good idea to know something about its internal parts because they are what keep it running. The radiator is one of these parts – and its job is to keep your engine cool. If your radiator stops working properly, it may need to be replaced.
Often, frequent overheating is the primary symptom of a problem with your radiator, and upon further investigation, you may find your coolant or your thermostat is all you need to replace. However, there are other indications your radiator is nearing the end of its usefulness. Listed below are some other telltale signs that you may need a new radiator.
Leakage
If you begin to notice spots or puddles where your car was parked on the street or on the garage floor, your car is leaking fluid. It could be oil or brake fluid, but the culprit is often coolant. If it is coolant, it might be a hose or connector, but if the leak is coming from the radiator, it’s probably time to replace it. If the coolant leak is allowed to continue, it could get much worse while you are driving, and your engine could overheat or even become damaged.
Buildup and Blockage
Your car’s radiator is made up of lots of channels, or coils, and if they become blocked due to corrosion or mineral buildup, the coolant will not flow correctly, and the engine will overheat. Blockages make it difficult for air to flow as well, so the heat won’t dissipate, which further damages the radiator by causing it to fail.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion can form inside your radiator over time, and this disrupts the function of your cooling system. Simply due to the motion of the vehicle, flakes of rust can fall off the inner walls of the radiator coils and turn your normally translucent coolant into a thick, gunky liquid that will not work properly to cool your engine. Sometimes this problem can be solved by flushing your radiator with a product designed to help remove the debris and dirty coolant. However, if this doesn’t fix the problem, you will need to replace the radiator.
Quality Used Auto Parts Near Riverdale
Whether you are in need of a new radiator, or you are looking for other used auto parts near Riverdale, New Cats Auto Parts offers the best selection at a reasonable price. Stop by today.