Watch Out For the Signs of a Bad Radiator!
A vehicle breakdown is always unfortunate, but it's especially unfortunate during cold and dark winter months. One thing that you can do to prevent breaking down at the worst time is make sure that you schedule radiator service. You should also be aware of the signs of a bad radiator so that you can get something done immediately. The following are some of the most common indicators that your radiator is either:
- Broken
- Cracked
- Clogged
Overheating
Overheating is a very common symptom of a radiator going bad. It indicates that the coolant cannot get where it needs to go because the radiator is not functioning properly. Depending on the type of car you have, you may see a warning light, or your temperature gauge may clue you in. It's important to get that car off the road quickly to avoid other car problems.
Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks will often occur if something is wrong with your radiator or the radiator's system of hoses. You will notice that you are losing coolant, and you may notice the smell of antifreeze. Check for a tell-tale puddle on the garage floor.
Smoking
Smoking is another indicator that something is seriously wrong with your vehicle. If you have a leak, you may notice that the engine is burning some of the coolant that has dropped out. Smoking out of the tailpipe is especially not a good sign because it could mean that the head gasket has been damaged.
About Radiator Maintenance
Radiator service includes flushing your cooling system, checking hoses and looking for leaks. It often includes a coolant swap. Schedule your radiator service long before you experience signs of a bad radiator and get stuck on the road in the dead of winter.
Need to know the signs of a bad radiator? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about radiator repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
A vehicle breakdown is always unfortunate, but it's especially unfortunate during cold and dark winter months. One thing that you can do to prevent breaking down at the worst time is make sure that you schedule radiator service. You should also be aware of the signs of a bad radiator so that you can get something done immediately. The following are some of the most common indicators that your radiator is either:
- Broken
- Cracked
- Clogged
Overheating
Overheating is a very common symptom of a radiator going bad. It indicates that the coolant cannot get where it needs to go because the radiator is not functioning properly. Depending on the type of car you have, you may see a warning light, or your temperature gauge may clue you in. It's important to get that car off the road quickly to avoid other car problems.
Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks will often occur if something is wrong with your radiator or the radiator's system of hoses. You will notice that you are losing coolant, and you may notice the smell of antifreeze. Check for a tell-tale puddle on the garage floor.
Smoking
Smoking is another indicator that something is seriously wrong with your vehicle. If you have a leak, you may notice that the engine is burning some of the coolant that has dropped out. Smoking out of the tailpipe is especially not a good sign because it could mean that the head gasket has been damaged.
About Radiator Maintenance
Radiator service includes flushing your cooling system, checking hoses and looking for leaks. It often includes a coolant swap. Schedule your radiator service long before you experience signs of a bad radiator and get stuck on the road in the dead of winter.
Need to know the signs of a bad radiator? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about radiator repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
