The radiator is a component with a very important job. The radiator prevents the engine from overheating. An internal combustion engine can create a lot of heat which can lead to major engine damage. The coolant is designed to circulate throughout the engine and the radiator absorbs the heat and uses the passing air to keep the engine cool. Without a properly working radiator your engine can fail. Top Notch Mobile Tire Service would like to share some of the common signs or symptoms that your radiator is starting to fail.
Can You Drive with an Overheated Engine?
One of the more obvious signs that your radiator is failing is when your engine constantly overheats. If you have a single overheating event, you may just be leaking coolant or another minor problem. However, when the engine is always overheating then the radiator is not doing its job. When your engine is heating up you will want to have your engine inspected and prepare for a radiator replacement. Driving your car when it’s overheating can cause serious, and sometimes permanent, damage to your engine, so it’s best to stop driving as soon as possible.
Coolant Leak in Car
Depending on your vehicle, the coolant’s color can vary from yellow, to green and red. When you see your vehicle’s coolant pooling underneath your vehicle, this is not a good sign. The coolant should not leak. If you are seeing coolant leaking from your engine you will need to determine where the leak is coming from. More often than not the coolant is leaking from the radiator. The leak can be coming from the coolant’s tank or from a hose, which is why you will need to have the engine inspected and the source of the leak repaired.
Sludge Buildup in Radiator
At times the radiator can develop a very slow coolant leak. Overtime the coolant can build up on the radiator and form into a sludge. This sludge may appear the same color of the coolant but it may also appear a rusty color as well. When you have this sludge building up on the radiator, it is a sign of a leak. Depending on the leak it may be repaired or you may need to replace the radiator.
Low Coolant
If your coolant is low and you are constantly refilling it then you have a coolant leak. You may not notice a puddle of coolant. This is because the engine is not running. When the engine is on, the coolant will be circulated through the radiator and engine. This may be when the coolant is leaking out. If you need to refill your coolant levels, you are having a problem.
Mobile Mechanical Services in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
It is very important to detect and repair radiator failures before they become a major problem. However, it is also not smart to drive the vehicle until you have the engine and radiator looked at. This is where a mobile mechanical service can be beneficial to you. A mobile auto mechanic can come to you and begin inspecting your engine and the radiator. They can also preform on-site repairs and get you the help you need. For mobile mechanical and roadside assistance services, contact Top Notch Mobile Tire Service today!
