There are several different routine services you should get for your vehicle to ensure it is fit for the roads of Owings Mills, MD. One common maintenance you’ll need is radiator repair. Here are some signs to look out for to get a hint that your vehicle’s radiator needs to be checked out.
1. Vehicle Overheats Unexpectedly
The most obvious sign that your vehicle may have an issue with its radiator is when the vehicle overheats. If this occurs, you’ll notice white steam pouring out from the engine as it becomes unable to cool itself off. Should you notice signs of your engine overheating, it’s imperative that you pull over immediately and seek assistance as it’s dangerous to continue operating an overheating vehicle.
2. Temperature Gauge Higher than Normal
In some cases of radiator issues, your vehicle may not outright overheat. Instead, you might notice the gauge on your dashboard that monitors the temperature of your engine is higher than usual. When your vehicle is working correctly, the needle on this gauge should be right in the middle. If you notice the gauge is consistently reading higher than normal, take your vehicle in to have the radiator checked out.
3. Colorful Fluid Pooling Underneath Vehicle
When you move your vehicle after being parked for a time, you may notice a colorful fluid pooling under your vehicle. This is another easy-to-notice indicator of radiator trouble. Fluid may be leaking out from your radiator, which needs to be corrected in order for your vehicle to function properly and to prevent your radiator from overheating.
4. Radiator Appears Discolored
Taking a look under your vehicle’s hood can be another good way to check for radiator issues. Take a look for any odd discoloration on your radiator to get an early warning sign of any trouble. This could be a sign that coolant is leaking through a pinhole leak in the radiator. This leak needs to be repaired in order for your vehicle to function correctly.
5. Signs of Rust on Radiator
Prolonged contact with moisture can cause the metal of your radiator to rust over time. When you’re checking the radiator for any signs of discoloration, also keep an eye out for signs of rusty spots. If you notice any rust has begun to accumulate, take your vehicle to a mechanic so that they can work on fixing or replacing your radiator as needed.
6. Coolant Fluid Levels Are Running Low
Checking your fluid levels regularly is an essential part of vehicle ownership. If you notice your coolant fluid levels are consistently low or that the level seems to be running low faster than you would expect, those are good signs of trouble with your radiator. Take your vehicle in to a mechanic to find the cause of the issue so that you aren’t wasting replacement coolant fluid.
For radiator service or any other maintenance for your vehicle, come see our service team and get the best of the best. Visit Koons Kia of Owings Mills today!
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