The Common Signs Of A Cracked Radiator

The radiator is one of the most important parts of your car because it ensures that the engine and other parts of your car do not overheat. If you think about what actually goes into making a car work properly it is amazing how much heat is generated. Combustion engines are fiends for creating heat and without the use of a radiator, the vehicle wouldn't get more than a couple of hundred metres. But how do you know if your car radiator is in need of a service or fix? Here are a few common signs that should tell you to get to a mechanic straight away.

Leaks Under Your Car

The radiator works by reducing the temperature of the engine coolant that circulates through the car whenever it is in motion. If there is a crack in the radiator or anywhere along the line then this coolant, which is a liquid, will leak out. The easiest way to tell for this is to check underneath your car after you have parked and see if you can spot any leaks or splashes on the ground. Coolant can smell quite sweet so that will be another sign if you smell that while checking for leaks. If you do notice a leak it is time for a trip to a car radiator repair mechanic. 

Car Physically Overheats

The easiest way to tell if your radiator is broken is to simply drive with it a bit. If you notice your car heating up and smoke or heat blasting off the front of your car then immediately pull over and call for a car radiator repair specialist. If you drive an engine for too long without coolant you are liable to make it unusable in the very near future which can cost you tens of thousands in repairs. Always monitor your warning signs on the dashboard as this will give you an accurate indication of whether the heat is normal or unusual. 

Rusty Radiator

Every now and then it is good to lift the bonnet and check what is underneath it and how it all looks. If you notice that parts of your car's internal mechanisms are rusty then this is a very bad sign, especially if the radiator is among those parts affected. Rust in a radiator is like poison because flakes of it will drop off into the coolant and thicken it significantly. This sludge totally loses its potential as a coolant and can be quite dangerous if it builds up enough. A car radiator repair mechanic will likely replace the whole radiator if they notice it is rusty so try and keep it in good shape by paying attention to it every few weeks or so.

For more information, contact a car radiator repair service.

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