Unfortunately, a car can break down really at anytime. This is especially true for older models. If you have been lucky enough to avoid this yourself, odds are at one point or another you have seen a disabled car on the side of the road. Cars can stop working for many different reasons, but if you noticed there was smoke coming from under the hood, there is a good chance something was wrong with the radiator. Because an engine and other parts of a car can get so hot, something is needed to keep things cool. This is the job of the radiator. When you hear about a vehicle overheating, that car requires a radiator repair.
Is a Radiator Repair Necessary During Colder Months?
You may think that because we are in the cold season, a radiator does not have to work as hard. But that just is not true. In fact, it may actually have to work harder. Because of the cold, it can take more effort for an engine to get started and keep running. This means that more heat and friction are needed. As a result, a radiator is crucial for keeping temperatures at optimal levels. The only thing preventing a vehicle from getting excessively hot, to the point that something breaks, is the radiator.
How Do You Know You Need a Radiator Repair?
One of the most common problems with a radiator is a coolant leak. If you notice colorful puddles or stains on your driveway or garage floor, it is very possible that you have a leak. Coolant generally has a sweet smell, so in addition to your eyes, it is also good to keep your nose open. Your radiator will not be able to properly do its job if the coolant is not at the right level. If a leak is found, it is vital that you get a radiator repair as soon you can.
Another sign that a radiator repair is needed, is when there are dramatic changes in your car’s temperature. A radiator that is working well will keep the temperature of a vehicle stable. If the gauge begins to fluctuate between normal and hot, this may be an indication that the water pump in the radiator is malfunctioning.
Finally, if you hear grinding sounds, this is another warning that a radiator repair will be required. If the coolant leaks into the bearing, it will wash out valuable grease. This will cause the bearing to overheat, and that grinding sound will be coming from the water pump. If a radiator repair is not received right away, the bearing could break, which would lead to the pulley falling off the pump. If this occurs while driving, there will be an immediate loss of engine power.
If you notice any of these things with your car, come down to Xpress Lube for a radiator repair. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem. Just visit the radiator repair experts at Xpress Lube. We’ll complete your necessary radiator repair and get you back on the road quickly.
