Does Your Toyota Need a Radiator Repair?
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Have you noticed the engine temperature gauge on your dashboard creeping upward? Overheating is the greatest threat that a car’s engine faces and the radiator is your primary tool to combat overheating. If you ever detect one of the signs of radiator trouble outlined below, have your radiator repaired right away at your local Toyota dealership.
Overheating Engine
The combustion process inside a car’s engine generates an enormous amount of heat. The cooling system continually pumps coolant through the engine, keeping the temperature under control. The radiator is the part that cools the coolant, so any flaw with the radiator means the coolant can no longer do its job.
With a faulty radiator, you’ll soon notice signs of overheating. This includes ticking noises, reduced engine power, a hood that’s hot to the touch, and white vapor escaping from under the hood. First and foremost, you’re likely to see the dashboard’s temperature gauge climbing up into the red.
Rust on the Radiator
Radiators are susceptible to rust, especially in cold or wet climates. When a car is left disused in the garage for a prolonged period of time, rust can also start to build. It’s a good idea to check your car’s radiator for rust every now and then.
If you catch rust while it’s just starting, you might be able to clean it away with a good anti-rust product. However, extensive rust may have already eaten into the metal, meaning the whole radiator will need to be replaced.
Rust Inside the Radiator
Coolant has strong anti-rust properties, which usually keeps the radiator’s interior free from corrosion. But if coolant grows old and loses these anti-rust properties, rust can build up inside a radiator as well. When this occurs, you may see the coolant gradually turn brown inside the coolant reservoir.
Leaking Coolant
It’s possible for radiators to spring a leak if a cap or hose connection is damaged or rust makes a hole in the metal. Leaking coolant will quickly result in overheating, so it’s important to repair a leak promptly. You may notice the leaking fluid puddling under your car. Coolant usually has a bright color such as red, blue, yellow, or green.
How Your Toyota Dealer Can Check Your Radiator
Along with visually inspecting every part of the radiator, a technician will also use a special tool to pressure test the radiator and the entire cooling system. This will reveal any leaks or interior problems. They’ll also specifically pressure test the radiator cap, which is a common source of leaks.
Have your car’s radiator checked and repaired today at Vancouver Toyota. We’re a local family-run dealership that’s been helping out the area’s drivers for over 30 years.
