Wondering how do you know if a radiator is bad?

It’s time to think about the radiator in your vehicle!  You will want to make sure you don’t get stuck out in cold weather and road conditions with an overheating engine and steam coming from underneath the hood of your car.  By knowing how do you know if a radiator is bad you can avoid an emergency visit to your auto shop to replace a radiator.  

So how do you know if a radiator is bad?  Schedule an inspection by an ASE certified mechanic if you notice these two main signs below:

• Leaking:  You may notice a puddle of coolant (it could be green, pink, or orange) on the garage floor under your vehicle. You could also notice a sweet smell.  There could be a crack in the radiator unit.  Radiator leakages and cracks should be repaired by an ASE certified mechanic.
• Warning Light:  If the coolant level drops too low, a low coolant light will come on and you will see the temperature gauge increasing, indicating that your engine is overheating.  If you notice your engine is overheating while driving, pull over instantly and call a tow truck.

Remember:  To prevent the necessity of replacing your radiator and for your vehicle to remain a trustworthy source of transportation, have the radiator checked periodically for leaks or cracks.  

For more information about how do you know if a radiator is bad, call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.