Anyone who’s ever looked under the hood after they’ve been driving for a while knows how hot things can get under there. That’s why you need a fully functioning radiator in your vehicle. If your radiator doesn’t pump coolant through your engine, then your car is going to overheat. Unfortunately, your radiator can sometimes start to malfunction, so you’ll need a radiator repair from your Toyota dealer ASAP. Let’s look at some of the warning signs of a faulty radiator.
3 Signs Your Toyota May Need a Radiator Repair From Your Toyota Dealer
1. Your Engine Overheats
If your engine is overheating, then you’ll notice steam pouring from under your hood. If you keep driving while this is occurring, then your engine may get so hot that the parts start to melt and fuse together. Your engine will be irreparable if your piston and cylinder fuse together, so you’ll need a total engine replacement. This is pretty costly, so you’ll definitely want to avoid needing it if you can.
Pull over as soon as steam starts pouring from under the hood, then call a tow truck. If your engine is overheating then you most likely have a radiator problem, so it’s unsafe to drive any further with your car in this condition. It would also be a good idea to keep a closer eye on your temperature gauge from now on, as a climbing temperature gauge can signal that your cooling system is struggling.
2. Your Radiator Rusts
Your car’s radiator is metal, so it’ll rust if it gets wet. However, it’s rare that your radiator will get wet, as it’s nice and safe under the hood. That means any moisture coming into contact with it is also coming from under the hood. This moisture is usually coolant leaking out of the radiator or the radiator hose. It evaporates rapidly due to the heat under the hood, but it still leaves spots of discoloration behind that rust with time.
3. Your Coolant Leaks Out
The fluids in your vehicle have their own distinct color and smell. This helps you determine which fluid is leaking out of your vehicle when you spot a pool of liquid under the car. Coolant is usually pink, yellow, or bright green. It has a sweet smell that’ll help you identify it further. This liquid keeps your engine cool in summer and stops the engine from freezing in winter, so it’s vital you get the leak repaired at once.
Come to Rick McGill’s Airport Toyota next time you need to get your radiator fixed. We’ll put you in the practiced hands of our factory-trained technicians and get you back on the road ASAP. Call our service department at (865) 970-2615 to make an appointment.
Connect with us
