Is the temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard suddenly edging upward? If your engine’s showing signs of overheating, you may have a malfunctioning radiator on your hands. It’s best to get prompt radiator repair at your nearest Acura dealership before the problem worsens. Here are some of the main indicators of a faltering car radiator.
Does Your Acura Need a Radiator Repair?
Your Engine’s Overheating
While you’re driving, the radiator controls the temperature of the coolant that circulates through the engine. By continually drawing heat out of the coolant, the radiator keeps the coolant cool and your engine from overheating.
If the radiator stops working properly, the coolant will lose its cooling function and your engine will rapidly start to overheat. Along with the rising temperature gauge on your dashboard, you may hear odd knocking and ticking sounds, your car will start to lose power, and the hood will become hot to the touch. You may even see steam burst from under the hood as the coolant starts to boil.
Your Radiator’s Starting To Rust
Radiators can sometimes gather rust, especially when the engine isn’t used for several weeks. If you see rust or corrosion begin to build on your radiator, try to clean it with a good anti-rust product, but if the rust has already damaged the metal, the radiator may need to be replaced.
Sometimes radiators can rust internally, changing the color of the coolant to a rusty brown. This only usually happens if the coolant hasn’t been flushed and refreshed for a very long time. Modern coolant has effective anti-rust properties that only fade when it becomes very old. A technician may be able to clean away internal rust with fresh coolant, unless the rust is already extensive.
You Spot Leaking Radiator Coolant
Leaking coolant will also rapidly cause your engine to overheat. If you notice a brightly colored, sweet-smelling liquid dripping under your car, you may have a coolant leak. Radiator corrosion can sometimes cause a coolant to leak, as can worn-out hoses or a cracked pan gasket.
Your Radiator’s Visibly Damaged
Any visible dents, cracks, or other damage to a radiator means the radiator needs to be repaired or replaced. Sometimes the thin radiator fins can become damaged by stones from the road that fly in through the grill.
The Fins of Your Radiator Are Clogged
If the fins of your radiator become clogged up, it can hinder the radiator’s ability to draw heat from the coolant. Any buildup of leaves, mulch, or dirt around the fins can usually be easily cleaned away to restore the radiator’s proper functioning.
Your Acura Dealer Finds a Radiator Fault
During your regular vehicle servicing visits, the technician will often test the engine and cooling system. With a trained eye and a great deal of experience, an experienced technician is likely to notice a fault in your radiator before it leads to more serious engine problems.
Visit Open Road Acura of Wayne today to have your radiator fixed by qualified technicians. We’re a locally trusted full-service dealership with a goal to exceed the expectations of all our customers.
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