The radiator in your vehicle has an important role to play when it comes to maintaining the temperature of the engine. When the radiator malfunctions, it can lead to issues with the engine and costly repairs. In some cases, it can lead to complete engine failure. So it is important to recognise the signs so that you can take the vehicle to repairs immediately.
A very obvious sign for your radiator needing repairs is when the engine is overheating.
You will see that the temperature gauge on the dashboard is rising above the normal range when this is happening. Sometimes you will see there is steam coming from under the hood. There are many reasons for engine overheating such as clogged radiator fins, low coolant levels or a malfunctioning thermostat. You should take your vehicle to Bracknell radiators repair when you see this. There can be coolant leaks and you will see this as a puddle of yellow, orange or green fluid under the vehicle when it has been parked for some time. This shows that the coolant is leaking from the radiator. It can be leaking from a connected component as well. This can happen as a result of damaged hoses, cracked radiator or the radiator cap being loose. You have to address coolant leaks right away as low levels can lead to the engine overheating.
The coolant in the radiant has to be a bright colour and it has to be clear.
But sometimes you will see that the coolant is discoloured. It can be rusty or muddy. This indicates there are contaminants or corrosion in the radiator which will bring down the efficiency of the cooling system. This can contribute to overheating. Discoloured coolant can also indicate that there is sediment or rust build-up in the radiator. This has to be thoroughly flushed or replaced. While coolant can get low after some time, this is not a common frequent occurrence. If this happens frequently, this can be due to an issue with the radiator. There can be a leak or the radiator may be failing. If the coolant levels are low constantly, you have to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic so that the underlying cause can be investigated.
The tubes and fins in the radiator dissipate heat from the coolant.
But when these are bent or damaged, the ability of the radiator to cool the engine is obstructed. There can be physical damage done to the radiator as a result of accidents, road debris or corrosion so you have to inspect the radiator fins and tubes from time to time so that you can identify damage early on. This allows you to carry out repairs or replacements on time without having this issue lead to bigger problems. There can be unusual noises coming from under the hood such as gurgling or bubbling. This can be due to air trapped in the cooling system. If there is a whistling sound, this can be a pressure leak in the radiator.
