A radiator is a type of heat exchanger. It transfers thermal energy from one medium to another for the purpose of cooling and heating. The radiator in your car needs repair if it’s not circulating the coolant properly. This can cause your car to overheat, and even break down. Here are some signs that indicate your radiator needs attention.
1. Car overheats quickly
If your car starts to overheat within minutes of starting the engine, then it’s likely that there’s an issue with the radiator. The engine should be at its optimal temperature after a few minutes of driving. If it isn’t, then coolant isn’t flowing through the radiator properly, and this means you need a repair.
2. Temperature gauge is higher than normal
Every car has a temperature gauge that lets you know how hot the engine is running. If you notice that the needle is climbing higher than it normally does, it could be because the radiator isn’t working properly.
3. Coolant level is low
If you find that you need to regularly top up your coolant, it could be a sign that there’s a leak in the radiator. Coolant leaks can also be accompanied by steam coming from under the hood. If you see steam, it’s important to stop driving immediately and call for help, as this could indicate a serious problem.
4. Rust on the radiator
If you can see rust on the outside of your radiator, it means that there’s probably rust on the inside too. Rust will damage the metal and eventually cause holes, which will lead to coolant leaks. A rusty radiator needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
A faulty radiator can cause your car to overheat and break down, so it’s important to get any issues fixed as soon as possible. If you notice any of the signs listed above, take your car in for a repair right away. Your mechanic will be able to determine whether or not your radiator needs replacing or if a simple repair will do the trick.
