Vehicles need to undergo virtually continual maintenance to keep them running at their best. Unfortunately, many people either ignore or are unaware of the need to maintain many mechanical systems on their vehicles. According to University City, car owners ignore about $60 billion in needed maintenance work every year. Radiator maintenance and repairs are among those that many people overlook, which could trigger catastrophic engine damage down the road. Here are 10 signs that your vehicle needs radiator repairs to prevent a breakdown and the possible destruction of the engine.

1. The Engine Runs Hot

All engines have a standard operating temperature that enables them to run continuously day after day without undergoing excessive wear and tear. When the radiator and cooling system are working as designed, the vehicle can run well all day and all night for days on end. When the radiator or another part of the cooling system is in disrepair, the engine runs hot, which the temperature gauge on the dashboard should indicate. When you see the gauge is in or near the danger zone, the engine might overheat and possibly suffer catastrophic damage that makes it too costly to fix.

If ignored for too long, a hot engine may turn into an overheating one. An overheated engine is a very serious problem that might be due to a faulty radiator. If the temperature gauge continues to rise until it reaches the danger point, you need to stop and turn off the engine before it suffers potentially catastrophic damage. Then you need to check the coolant and oil levels to see if one or both are low. If the oil level is normal and the oil is in good condition, there might be a problem with the radiator. Our engine repair facilities and auto body shops can diagnose the condition and fix it so that the engine will not overheat.

2. The Coolant Is Leaking Onto the Ground

The engine coolant should stay contained inside the radiator and a reservoir inside the engine where it circulates and cools with the help of the wind and radiator fan. The coolant flows with the help of hoses, clamps, and a water pump. A thermostat opens when the engine reaches a predetermined temperature of between about 160 and 180 degrees, which enables all the coolant to flow through the radiator, where it cools before flowing through the engine block and back to the radiator. Any defects in that system will cause coolant to leak, which might accumulate on the ground beneath the engine compartment.

3. The Coolant Is Boiling Over

Few sights are more disheartening while driving than seeing steam or white smoke rising from beneath the hood. That is a sure sign that the coolant is too hot, which means the engine is running hot. A quick check of the temperature gauge should affirm a problem exists, and the check engine light might appear on the dash. You can pull over and let the engine cool, but do not try to take the cap off of the radiator until you are certain it has cooled. When the coolant boils over or otherwise is too hot, the heat creates pressure and blows the hot coolant upward when you try to remove the radiator cap, which could cause burn injuries.

4. The Hoses Are Cracked and Rigid

The hoses that connect the radiator to the rest of the cooling system enable coolant to flow throughout the system. You can check the hoses by giving them a squeeze to determine if they are still rubbery and flexible or if they have hardened and are more rigid. You also might notice some cracking and small bits of hose flaking off. That is a sure sign that you should flush the coolant, replace the old hoses, and replace the old coolant to give your engine maximum protection against overheating.

5. There's Missing Paint on the Radiator or Motor

You might notice areas on the radiator or the engine where paint has been removed with no signs of scraping. The bare spot might resemble a boiling pattern due to its cause, which is hot radiator fluid that has boiled over and damaged some of the nearby paint. The missing paint usually is narrow where the fluid is leaking, like it might be from a radiator cap, a defective hose, or a loose hose clamp. You might even see surface rust settling in where the paint was removed by the hot coolant.

6. The Coolant Level Is Low

When the coolant level is low, there is a problem that must be fixed to spare the engine from overheating and possibly suffering catastrophic damage. The problem might be a bad seal on the radiator cap, a loose hose clamp, or a leak. The problem also might be with the water pump, which could leak or seep coolant that might boil off or evaporate instead of dripping to the ground. Whenever the coolant level is low, you should top off the radiator and keep a close eye out for any signs of dripping or leaking fluid. If you don't find something obvious, you should have your system diagnosed and repaired.

7. There's No History of Preventive Maintenance

The coolant should be changed about every other year so that it has good viscosity and boil-over protection. If you haven't kept up with maintenance and are unsure of when your last cooling system service was done, that is a good sign that something worse than bad coolant is affecting your vehicle. Ignoring basic service could cause blockage in the radiator or possibly affect the water pump and cause it to leak or otherwise fail. If the coolant has turned brown and the temperature gauge is rising on the dash, the cooling system needs work done.

8. The Water Pump Fails

A bad radiator might lead to problems with the water pump that circulates the coolant. If the water pump stops working, it might be due to a related problem with the radiator. You should have both examined closely to see if one or both are defective. Replacing the problem part should fix the problem.

9. The Coolant Is Not Circulating Properly

One of the reasons for radiator maintenance is to remove any minerals or deposits that otherwise might block the flow of coolant or slow it down. Mineral buildup and various contaminants can accumulate in the fluid and adhere to the insides of the radiator. It also could build up inside a water pump and make it defective over time. If your coolant is not circulating well, the radiator might have a blockage that is stopping it.

10. Front-End Collision Damaged the Radiator

One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle needs radiator repair service is when a front-end collision occurs. The radiator is highly vulnerable to damage caused by a collision that pushes in the front end. Auto body shops typically work on body damage and not engine repairs, but they might have a local radiator repair shop available to fix problems with the radiator and other parts of the cooling system. Your vehicle also might need engine work done, which auto repair shops do and not auto body shops.

As you can see, there are many signs of radiator issues. If you notice any of these problems, it's important to address them immediately with the help of a radiator repair professional. You can call or visit City Side Auto Body to schedule diagnosis and radiator repairs as needed for your vehicles.