Your car’s radiator plays a vital role in keeping your engine cool and functioning properly. When your radiator begins to break down or malfunction, your vehicle’s performance could suffer. However, identifying the issue and fixing it as soon as possible can ensure that your engine does not suffer the consequences of becoming overheated. Read on to learn four signs that your Mazda needs a radiator repair.
4 Signs Your Mazda Needs a Radiator Repair
1. Colorful Fluid Leaking from Car
One sign that could indicate that your radiator is malfunctioning is coolant leaking from the vehicle. Coolant is typically a bright color, such as green, yellow, or pink. If you notice any brightly colored puddles under your vehicle, you are probably experiencing a coolant leak, which may be resulting from a faulty radiator.
If all of the coolant leaks out of your vehicle, your car could overheat, creating more damage and a potentially dangerous situation. Alternatively, if you are currently experiencing cold weather, not having enough coolant could cause your engine to freeze up. Taking your vehicle to the mechanic as soon as possible can help you avoid further damage from your coolant leak.
2. Climbing Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge on your vehicle’s dashboard indicates the temperature of the engine. Most often, your gauge will read almost exactly in the middle of hot and cold. However, if your radiator starts acting up, your temperature gauge will begin to climb above the middle, showing that your vehicle is overheating.
Any time that you notice your temperature gauge reading a hotter temperature than normal, it’s best to take your car to the dealer for an inspection. You may simply need more coolant, but it’s also possible that your radiator is malfunctioning.
3. Rusty Radiator
Your radiator is made out of metal, meaning that it can rust if it comes into prolonged contact with moisture. Another way to determine if your radiator is acting up is to check it for signs of rust. If you see any rust on the radiator, this could indicate a leak in the radiator hose, causing the moisture that has produced the rust.
Keep in mind that you may not see actual signs of moisture on the radiator. The heat of the engine and radiator will cause the fluid to burn off quickly, leaving rust behind.
4. Vehicle Overheating
The last and most obvious sign that something is amiss with your radiator is that your vehicle overheats. One way to tell that your vehicle is overheating is steam pouring out from under the hood.
If you ever suspect that your vehicle is overheating, you should turn off the engine and exit the vehicle immediately. Give your car plenty of time to cool down, then get it to the mechanic as quickly as possible to prevent any of your car’s essential parts from melting or burning.
A malfunctioning radiator is serious, and when you bring your vehicle to our dealer with concerns about a radiator malfunction, we work quickly to repair the problem. Contact Rochester Mazda today to schedule a radiator maintenance appointment with our expert mechanics.
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