Does Your Hyundai Need a Radiator Repair? 5 Common Signs

Running engines create heat and the radiator is tasked with preventing overheating. The radiator uses a combination of fans, hoses, and coolant to cool down the motor, so if it’s not working properly, the engine will overheat and need extensive repairs. When you’re able to identify the signs that your vehicle needs radiator repair, then you’ll be able to catch the problem early and come into our Hyundai dealer for maintenance as soon as possible.

5 Common Signs for Radiator Repair at Our Hyundai Dealer

 

1. Rising Temperature Gauge

 

Your dashboard is equipped with a temperature gauge that keeps track of your engine’s hot and cold readings. Typically, the needle should always stay right in the middle of hot and cold while the engine is running. If this needle begins to rise, it is a sign that the radiator is not cooling the motor effectively. This could be due to driving in a hot climate, running the engine for prolonged periods of time, or low coolant.

 

2. Leaking Coolant

 

A buildup of rust can clog the radiator, creating small cracks on the cooling fins. If this buildup continues over time, the result will be coolant leaking on the pavement under your parked car. Luckily, coolant is usually a bright color like green or orange, making it easy to identify. If rust has begun accumulating, then the coolant will have a darker rust-colored tinge. A diagnostic will find the exact source and determine whether fresh coolant or repair is necessary.

3. Coolant Discoloration

 

Fresh coolant is bright, almost neon; often green, orange, or yellow. You can find the color of the coolant in your vehicle by using your dipstick to check both the level and condition of the current fluid. If the radiator is clogged or has debris building up, it can cause rust and give the coolant a cloudier, rusty color. Sometimes the solution is to flush the contaminated fluid and add fresh coolant. Catching discolored fluid early may prevent potential leaks.

 

4. Blocked Fins

 

Thin fin tubes run along the front of the radiator. These tubes have the task of running hot coolant away from the engine, allowing the motor to keep a constant temperature. If leaves, bugs, or dirt collect in the tubes, they will become clogged preventing the coolant from traveling to its destination.

 

5. Damaged fins

 

For a radiator to function well, its fins need proper airflow. Similar to blocked fins, if there are dents or other damage, the fins won’t be as effective. Fins can be damaged by cleaning the radiator with water pressure that is too high, or from a rock that’s kicked up while driving.

Keeping your radiator functioning properly is always less expensive than allowing a problem to persist, potentially causing permanent damage. Our expert technicians will run a diagnostic and repair any issues they find, getting you safely back on the road. Call or come into Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith today if any of these signs sound familiar or if you have any other concerns about the state of your radiator.

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