Common Car Radiator Problems
July 10, 2020
What are the common car radiator problems?
- Leaky Hoses
- Rusted Radiator
- Faulty Water Pump
- Overheated Radiator
- Buildup Of Mineral Deposits or Gunk
People tend to overlook their car radiator until it’s too late. We’re sure that you wouldn’t want to be driving down the road and be presented with a hood filled with white smoke, would you? Once your car radiator isn’t cared for, you’ll most likely cause irreparable damage to your cooling system, or even worse, your whole engine system. This is why you should be knowledgeable about the signs and common car radiator problems to be able to avoid them and maintain your vehicle.
Today, you’re in luck because we’re here to share with you some common signs, concerns, and problems that your car’s radiator might face. Be aware of these and address them immediately to keep your car in tip-top shape. Read on!
Leaky Hoses
Hose leaks are one of the most prevalent and widespread problems that radiators are faced with. These hoses are made from durable rubber that is positioned at the upper and lower radiators, bypass, and heaters. Its common function is to flow the coolant from your engine’s water pump to the water. Although these rubbers are made to resist vibration, heat, and pressure, they eventually wear out over time once they have reached their maximum lifespan.
Once they wear out, the hoses display cracks and brittleness. As a result, leaks arise. If you’ve noticed an adhesive green liquid on the ground, that is an indication that a hose leak is occurring.
Leaks can also transpire in the radiator itself too, which is typically a larger problem. A hint of radiator leakage is a puddle of green or red liquid beneath the engine of your vehicle when it is not in use. If this happens, immediately address the issue. Leaking radiators can cause serious damage and a domino effect on all components that are associated with your radiator.
Rusted Radiator
Distinguishing a rusted radiator won’t be of problem to you. It will be immediately evident. If the exterior of your car rusts or when your coolant turns into a brownish color, it is presumably a sign of a rusty radiator. All the inevitable components and ingredients that are present in your radiators such as air, metal, liquid, and oxidation will eventually develop rust over time. Don’t neglect this, because rust is a significant threat. Not addressing this immediately will result in an overly rusted vehicle that can end up with holes, leaks, or even malfunction.
Faulty Water Pump
The water pump is the belt connected to the crankshaft engine, made to circulate the fluid whenever the engine is running and prevent the engine from overheating. It is the primary component to keep your coolant supplied from the radiator throughout the engine. When a water pump fails, your car won’t maintain a consistent operating temperature and can even lead to complete engine failure.
Some common symptoms that hint towards a faulty or bad water pump are a coolant leak at the front-center of your car, loose whining sounds, an overheating engine, and steam coming out from your radiator. Anytime you notice any of these warning signs, make sure that you address it immediately to repair and replace the pumps and get your car back into the road.
Overheated Radiator
Overheating is usually an accumulation of various other problems. When your radiator overheats, there are probably underlying matters that are contributing to it. This is especially prevalent in hot countries and places. So make sure that you deal with your overheated radiator to prevent your vehicle from turning off randomly.
How can you prevent your radiator from overheating? Before you head out on the road, make sure you have lots of fresh coolants, check your drive belt, and clear your radiator.
Buildup Of Mineral Deposits and Gunk
Did you know that gunk and dirt can be built up in your radiator too? There are mineral deposits that accumulate in your radiator over time, which causes it to fail and defect. Once this build-up of mineral deposits and gunk collects in your radiator, it will be massively difficult for your radiator to distribute coolant. But don’t fret, you can approach this matter promptly because gunk is very evident when it occurs. You’ll see a thick, goopy substance that clogs your radiator.
Key Takeaway
All parts of your car work together to keep your journey safe and secure. However, wear and tears are still inevitable, especially with old and used cars. The radiator plays an important role in the cooling system. Without this, your engines would overheat. When you don’t address car radiator problems, you are likely to put your vehicle under irreparable circumstances. Make sure you get your radiators serviced regularly to prevent major problems and to keep your car in the best shape.
