In-store purchases and pickups are no longer available. Please use our website to search and buy your parts online at great prices!

Sterling Parts Blog

5 Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Radiator

November 02 2020

The radiator is an important part of your car’s engine. Your engine produces a lot of heat while in use, the radiator’s job is to keep the engine from overheating while running.  If the radiator is not working properly, it could cause serious damage to your vehicle.

There are some symptoms associated with a failing radiator that you might notice.

 

1. Overheated Engine

If you regularly experience overheat in your engine, mostly the cause is from your radiator. This is one of the most common sign of a bad radiator. It indicates that the coolant can not get to where it should be because the radiator is not functioning properly. Fortunately, it might not be a sign of completely falling radiator, so you should address the problem immediately to prevent further falling. 

 

2. Coolant Leak

Take a look underneath your vehicle, if you see liquid (usually is bright yellow, green or red liquid) leaking onto the floor, you might have a coolant leak. A coolant leak is a sure sign when something is wrong. It is also possible that the leak is from the hose.

In order to identify where the problem comes from, you will need to take your car to a mechanic for a pressure test.

 

3. Water Pump Failure

The function of a water pump is to move the coolant throughout the engine block. It facilitates heat exchange. Usually, water travels through the radiator and then goes to the pump, engine and back to the radiator.

On water pump failure, the temperature of the vehicle will rise in no time. You may hear the cooling fan increase its speed but that still won’t help.

 

4. Trapped Air Bubbles

Whether you have a Holden Barina radiator, Hilux radiator, Subaru radiator or an el Falcon radiator, trapping of air bubbles is a common occurrence. Whenever this happens, the flow of the coolant is obstructed. The air bubbles in the system will heat up and will cause the engine temperature to rise. In such a case it is imperative to remove the trapped air bubbles.

 

5. Bad Thermostat

The function of a thermostat is to sense the temperature and take measures to control it. A faulty thermostat leads to the system’s incapacity to read temperatures and perform actions. This will cause your car to heat up fast.

  

Conclusion

As soon as you notice leaking coolant, your vehicle keeps overheating, water pump failure, or bad thermostat, you should take your car to your mechanic for proper checking up.

Looking for replaced radiator for your vehicle? Check out our radiator products here. Our customer service team is also available for any question you might have.

Related article: https://www.sterlingparts.com.au/blog/6-ways-to-save-money-on-petrol