Your engine operates in extreme conditions, and one of the reasons for this is the excessive heat that is produced when it is in operation. To ensure that these high temperatures do not jeopardise this system and cause it to overheat, the radiator has the primary function of cooling this system. As the coolant circulates through the engine, it absorbs the excess heat and is redirected into the radiator where this heat is dispelled. Once the coolant is back to being cold, it is directed to the engine and this flow is cyclical. The moment the radiator is not functioning at optimum, the engine will not be cooled down effectively, and this poses a threat to the internal auto parts close to the high temperatures. Moreover, if not addressed in good time, the radiator will fail, and you will have to pay for its replacement. So, how do you catch this issue early? Check out the following warning signs of a compromised radiator that warrant immediate repairs.

The radiator has sprung a coolant leak

Although your radiator is designed to work in extreme environments, it is not invulnerable to corrosion that would eventually compromise its structural integrity. And the two main reasons why your radiator will succumb to rust prematurely are when you mix your coolant with tap water or when you use a poor quality coolant for this auto part. Without routine flushing, the corrosion will spread and after a while, the rust eats through sections of the radiator. Even the smallest cracks on the radiator will lead to coolant leaks, and this will put both the radiator and the engine at risk of extensive damage. With that in mind, you must inspect the ground beneath where your car was parked for droplets of coolant and seek radiator repair as soon as possible.

The radiator fins are blocked or impaired

Radiators are outfitted with fin-like tubes that function to circulate hot coolant while the radiator fan blows cold air around them. This cold air will lower the temperature of the coolant so by the time it is redirected out of the fin-like tubes, it will be cold enough to lower the high temperatures that the engine produces when it is in operation. Therefore, the moment these radiator fins are in jeopardy, this auto part will lose its ability to efficiently cool the coolant, which will translate into an overheating engine. One of the ways that the radiator fins can become defective is when they are blocked. Excessive dirt, organic matter and so on will impede airflow so the coolant retains the heat is carrying. Secondly, the radiator fins will malfunction when they have acquired damage or become bent out of shape.

For more information, contact a company like Silverton Pinetown.