How to Maintain Your Vehicle

Indicators Your Car Radiator Has Sprung A Leak And Needs Immediate Repairs

Not many motorists think about their vehicle's radiator, and this is not unsurprising since this auto part functions in the background and will only catch your attention when it malfunctions. But what does it do? In essence, the radiator primarily works to prevent your engine from overheating. When coolant pumps through the engine, it absorbs heat as it flows into the radiator. The radiator then eliminates the heat from the coolant before this fluid makes its way back to the engine to repeat the process. Therefore, when the radiator has sprung a leak, there will be a gradual decline in the performance of your vehicle. To avoid mishaps on the road or irreparable damage to some components, here are indicators that your car radiator has sprung a leak and needs immediate repairs.

The radiator is discoloured

The first thing you should do when suspicious of an undiagnosed radiator leak is to perform a physical examination of the radiator itself. However, do not simply open the bonnet of your vehicle and delve in. For starters, your car should have remained off for several hours so that the engine is not hot. As a safety measure, you may put this off to the following day if you have already driven your vehicle on one day. Once you are guaranteed the engine is cool, take a torch to the underside of the engine, as this is where the radiator is located. Any whitish or rust coloured sediment on the radiator will typically be indicative of a coolant leak that has gone undiagnosed. It is crucial to seek radiator repairs before you take your car out on the road again.

The coolant is dwindling at a drastic rate

All the fluids that your vehicle needs to operate at an optimal level will need replenishing on an occasional basis. Thus, it is your responsibility to make sure that your mechanic refills these fluids once they begin to diminish. The moment that you notice that you are replacing your coolant regularly, it should prompt you to seek radiator repairs. When the coolant levels are dwindling at an accelerated rate, it is a sure-fire sign that the radiator has sprung a leak. You should check beneath the car for greenish or yellowish puddles, which are the typical hues of coolant. Ignoring the need for attention from your mechanic will cause your engine to overheat frequently, and this will translate to repairs that are even more expensive.

To learn more, contact a mechanic about car radiator repair.


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