A well-functioning radiator helps lessen trips to the auto repair shop by preventing your engine from overheating. It’s designed to reduce the temperature of the hot coolant that circulates through the engine. But some car owners overlook radiator maintenance until it’s beyond repair. Here are some ways to tell if your radiator needs attention.

How to Know if Your Radiator Is Failing

1. Constant Overheating

Overheating is the first sign of a failing radiator. Typically, a car engine's temperature gauge falls somewhere between 195°F and 220°F. A car's temperature may go slightly out of range during summer, but if it does so frequently, you likely have a clogged radiator. If not addressed immediately, repeated overheating will eventually lead to a car breakdown and costly auto repairs.

2. Drops of Liquid on Your Garage Floor

Holes or cracks appear on the housing or cooling fins of the engine as a result of intense rusting. Using tap water in place of distilled water or low-quality coolants leads to rust build-up. When this happens, bright green, yellow, pink, or red drops (the usual colors of refrigerants), spill on the floor. During auto repair or check-up sessions, ask to have a radiator flush. It will prevent rusting and keep contaminations from damaging your radiator tanks.

3. Frequent Coolant Tank Refills

If the "low coolant" indicator on your dashboard is always on, or you have been refilling your coolant tank more often than usual, have your radiator checked right away. Also, watch out for a pungent, fruity smell from your car's antifreeze; it may be a sign of radiator leakage.

Do you need to have your radiators checked? Call the auto repair experts at Blystone Towing & Radiator at (608) 742-4228. Located in Portage, WI, the towing and full-service auto shop has been serving clients around Columbia, Dodge, Dane, Sauk, Marquette, Green Lake, Adams, Juneau, and the surrounding counties for more than 50 years. Check out their website to learn more about their auto care services.