An overheating engine can lead to some of the most expensive repair jobs a driver can face. For this reason, you never want your engine’s cooling system to fail. The radiator plays a primary role in keeping the coolant nice and cold, so let’s take a look at four signs that your radiator needs professional attention. If you have any of these problems, visit your local Toyota dealership right away for radiator repair.
Does Your Toyota Need a Radiator Repair?
Leaking Coolant
Coolant is a brightly colored fluid that’s hard to miss. If you ever see a vivid red, blue, pink, yellow, or green liquid puddling under your car, then you have a coolant leak. If you’re still in doubt that it’s coolant, you can always crouch to smell it. Coolant has an oddly sweet scent.
Most coolant leaks occur around the radiator. At best, a cap or hose connection will be a little loose, in which case you can simply tighten it up or replace the hose. At worst, your radiator has corroded or cracked, in which case you’ll need a new radiator.
Rust-Colored Coolant
It’s easy to spot rust on the outside of a radiator. It’s not so easy when the rust is on the inside. Fortunately, modern coolant has strong anti-rust properties. But if you allow your coolant to grow too old, these properties can sometimes fade, and rust will start to form inside the radiator.
A buildup of internal rust will stain the coolant a rusty brown color. So it’s a good idea to check your coolant reservoir regularly. Make sure the coolant is at a good level and also check that the color isn’t brown.
Damaged Radiator Fins
Small rocks or debris from the road can sometimes fly up into the front grill of your car and damage the radiator. The parts most likely to become bent or broken by these impacts are the delicate fins of the radiator. These protruding fins play a key role in dissipating heat and cooling the coolant.
If a fin becomes bent or broken, the radiator will no longer function properly. It might even cause a leak. You’ll most likely need a new radiator.
Overheating Engine
If you don’t notice radiator trouble early on, your engine will start to overheat. You’ll see the temperature gauge on your instrument panel shoot up to dangerous levels. If you suspect overheating, pull over right away, allow your engine to cool, and check your radiator for signs of damage.
How a Toyota Dealer Inspects Your Radiator
When you have a technician examine your radiator, they’ll first flush and refresh the coolant. They’ll inspect everything for signs of corrosion or leaks. They’ll also run pressure checks on the radiator’s thermostat, cap, fan, and other components. Any problematic parts will be promptly repaired or replaced.
Have your radiator checked today by friendly, helpful technicians at Peppers Toyota. We’re a well-established local dealership with great cars and great service.
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