Warning Signs Your Heavy Duty Radiator is Failing
- Overheating engine
- Coolant leaks (look for green or orange fluid)
- Low coolant level (you need to add coolant often)
- Steam coming from under the hood
- Sweet smell inside the car (this is coolant)
- Radiator fan not working correctly
- Temperature gauge reading high
How to Test if This Part is the Problem
- Check Coolant Level: Make sure your coolant level is correct. Low coolant could mean a leak in the radiator.
- Pressure Test: A mechanic can use a pressure tester to see if the radiator holds pressure. If it doesn't, there's a leak.
- Visual Inspection: Look for cracks, leaks, or damage on the radiator itself.
- Check Hoses: Make sure the hoses connected to the radiator are in good condition.
- Check Thermostat: A bad thermostat can also cause overheating.
Common Failure Causes for This Part
- Age and wear: Over time, the radiator can corrode and develop leaks.
- Road debris: Rocks and other debris can damage the radiator core.
- Corrosion: Coolant that isn't changed regularly can become acidic and corrode the radiator.
- Overheating: Repeated overheating can weaken the radiator.
- Freezing: If coolant freezes, it can expand and crack the radiator.
