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A failed radiator can be catastrophic for your vehicle, potentially cracking seals, ruining other car parts, and even destroying the engine block itself. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize their radiator is in trouble until their vehicle breaks down, after which valuable car parts may already be damaged. If you see any of the following signs, have your radiator inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

How to Tell If the Radiator Is in Trouble

1. Leaking Antifreeze

Broken hoses, loose seals, and cracks in the radiator itself can cause coolant to leak on the ground. Pools of bright-colored fluid underneath your vehicle usually mean your engine is in danger of overheating.

2. Continuous Overheating

The radiator is the only car part dedicated to cooling your engine, so even minor issues can cause the vehicle to overheat. In some cases, it may just be low on coolant or clogged, but it may also be cracked or dangerously corroded.

3. Sludge in the Radiator

Normally, engine coolant is red, green, or yellow. However, contaminants in the system can thicken the fluid into a dark, oily sludge that doesn’t flow easily through the radiator. A sludge-filled radiator will usually have to be replaced to avoid causing serious damage to the engine and transmission.

4. Low Coolant

car partsWhile coolant may need to be topped off occasionally, consistently low levels usually mean there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Even a small leak can become a major issue without warning, so take your car to a trusted mechanic instead of constantly refilling the radiator.

5. No Heat in the Passenger Compartment

Hot coolant flowing through the radiator also supplies warm air for the cabin heaters. A blockage or breakdown inside the radiator or other car parts may restrict the flow of coolant, leaving your heater blowing cold air in the winter.

 

If your car is overheating or just needs some routine maintenance, get new parts from Marcell's to get back on the road quickly. With locations in Hamilton and Fairfield, OH, they proudly provide towing and used auto parts to drivers throughout the area. Visit their website for an overview of their services. Call (513) 867-8889 to reach their location in Hamilton or dial (513) 856-7900 to contact an associate in Fairfield.

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