Not only can a faulty radiator result in engine overheating, but it can also result in an expensive repair. When a radiator is not operating at peak efficiency, the engine temperature can rise. All engines are hot, but running them too hot can cause significant damage – and continuing to drive with an overheated engine can result in the need for a completely new engine. But if you are looking for ways to save your dollars, you can look for a used engine for sale instead of buying a new engine.
When you know that your engine temperature gauge running a little higher than normal can be fixed with a simple regimen of radiator maintenance, and left unchecked can mean an expensive complete engine replacement – it suddenly seems far simpler to get a basic radiator service done!
Symptoms of Clogged Car Radiator
Leaks:
The first of the fundamental indications of a blocked car radiator is seeing leaks on the ground beneath your car, particularly after driving. If you notice liquid on the ground, you should check to determine if it is coolant. If the radiator fluid cannot circulate freely throughout the cooling system, pressure can build up and drive coolant out of hose connections, hairline cracks, or other areas of damage, resulting in leaks.
Discoloured Coolant
Check the color of your radiator coolant after it is changed. Coolant comes in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, blue, green, and yellow – thus determining where your coolant begins is critical to determining if it's discolored. When rust, coolant sludge, or other residues contaminate the coolant, a color shift occurs. Additionally, coolant can get thick with sludge, obstructing the water pump's operation and rendering it substantially less effective in transporting heat away from the engine.
Damaged Radiator Fins
This can occur when radiators are improperly installed or when another engine repair is not performed with sufficient care, but it most frequently occurs during a road traffic collision when the fan or other vehicle components are driven into the automobile radiator.
High Temperature
Most typical temperature gauges on the dashboard display the engine temperature as a red and blue zone with a needle that must be in the center.
When this needle begins to point in the direction of the red zone, this is one of the most obvious signs of a clogged radiator. This suggests that you should have your radiator inspected immediately!
The bottom line: What to do if my car is overheating?
If any of the above signs of a blocked car radiator occur, you should get your radiator inspected; however, if your car begins to overheat, you should immediately pull over and contact roadside help or a radiator specialist to come and retrieve your vehicle. Continuing to drive with an overheated engine might result in significant and irreversible engine damage – or possibly a road traffic accident if your automobile comes to a sudden stop at a high rate of speed. However, you can always look for a used car engine for sale to replace your damaged engine in a cost-efficient way.