If you have a basic understanding of motoro vehicles, and even if you don’t, you’ll know that it’s basically a pre-requisite that a functioning engine can generate and withstand extremely high temperatures.
No matter what you drive, or where you’re driving, there are going to be mini-explosions that occur in your engine – aka, the combustion process – which generate the greatest heat.
But, what goes up must come down, and that goes from engine temperatures as well.
Your radiator helps with that. Basically, your radiator helps to exchange hot liquid with hot air. It circulates hot engine coolant, air passes through its fins and tubes, and heat is transferred from the coolant to the air. Simple, but extremely important to your car being safe to operate.
How to spot a faulty radiator
So, it could be a faulty radiator that’s causing your car to overheat. But, it might not be.
Check in with a professional mechanic to look at your engine’s cooling system and diagnose what the real issue is. That said, there’s a good chance it could be radiator, and here are some of the common symptoms that drivers can experience when it your radiator is failing.
There’s been a coolant leak. If coolant is dripping from the radiator’s side tanks or fins, it’s the easiest defect to locate in a radiator.
There’s a lack of heat in the cabin. A restricted radiator circulates coolant inefficiently, lowering the amount of heat generated within the vehicle.
The engine’s overheating. Overheating can be an indication of a radiator problem, whether you notice a plume of steam coming from beneath the hood or the temperature gauge needle is shooting through the red.
But, it might not be the radiator
Unfortunately, sometimes diagnosing what’s up with your engine overheating isn’t always a simple task – or, better said, it’s not always the radiator.
You could experience a coolant leak due to a bad hose in the radiator, or it could be an issue with the water pumper or a head gasket. Likewise, low cabin heat could be due to an issue with the heater core, and overheating could be to do with any component in the cooling system.
Either way, get in touch with a mechanic, pronto.
Other reasons a radiator can fail
Damaged body. This is by far the most common reason for radiator failure. Leaks are caused by stones striking the radiator through the grille.
Corrosion. This is when the cooling tubes that snake through the radiator, as well as the seams on the radiator side tanks, can spring a leak due to corrosion.
Engine coolant blockage. If the engine coolant isn’t drained on a regular basis, it can get acidic and create deposits inside the radiator, obstructing coolant flow.
Unsealed leaks. The side tanks on today’s radiators are crimped in place, and the seal between them, like other gaskets, can dry up or enlarge, causing the radiator to leak.
What’s the financial damage on radiator repairs or replacements?
To be honest, it’s pretty rare that you’ll find a mechanic who will advise that reconditioning or repairing your best course of action.
It’s more common that they’ll recommend a full radiator replacement.
In this case, you can expect a cost of around $350 to $900 for the new part, depending on your car’s make and model.
Need a quote? My Auto Shop can help. Head over to the service area to get started.