Signs Your Radiator May Need Replacement
1. Car Engine running hot or overheating
2. A fluctuating temperature gauge
3. Steam coming from under the hood
4. White exhaust fumes
5. Low coolant levels
6. Coolant is leaking under vehicle
7. Decreased/poor gas mileage
Regular maintenance of your car’s cooling system still does not guarantee the components of your cars cooling system will not fail. As your vehicle ages components can still become damaged or worn out. Wondering how to identify radiator problems?
​
the most common Car Cooling System failures:
Overheating engine - A common sign that something is wrong with the radiator is when your engine starts to overheat. This could be a faulty thermostat. When a thermostat no longer opens, the engine will overheat and cause a breakdown.
Coolant Leaks - If you notice coolant leaking under your var. It might be Green, Yellow, red, or even orange. When the radiator is leaking then the coolant levels are too low. when there isn’t enough coolant to reduce the heat, the engine might become too hot. Radiators are made of metal and plastic. Plastic isn’t as durable as metal, so often these components to become brittle and start cracking. Therefore it leaks.
Shifting Issues - Your vehicle might have an integrated transmission cooler and you might be having issues with shifting when the fluid gets contaminated with coolant.
Passenger heater not working properly - Another noticeable sign of a bad radiator is when your heater is not functioning as it should. Your cabin heater relies on the hot coolant that comes from the core. This produces the hot air that you feel in your car. A leaking radiator or if it is clogged may not get the heat a cold Texas day that you want. Sometimes, this is just a bad thermostat, too. At the dealership, we checked both when a car came in with this complaint.
​
Radiator exterior fins may be blocked or clogged - Your cars Radiator needs maximum airflow to cool properly. The thin tubes running in the front, the ones that look like fins, carry the hot coolant away from the engine. When you drive, air passes over the fins to lower the temperature of the coolant.
If these fins become clogged by debris, leaves, bugs, or dirt, airflow can become compromised. The coolant can’t go down in temperature as it should.​
It May Not Be Your Cars Radiator
Air in the Cooling System
If air gets into the cooling system, it can reduce the system’s ability to maintain the proper temperature and regulate your engine’s performance. Symptoms of air in the cooling system commonly include rises or frequent fluctuations in temperature. This is considered to be one of the top causes of engine overheating.
Thermostat Issues
Problems with the car thermostat are generally easy to notice. The gauge reading high or changing erratically are some of the more common signs. You also might notice coolant leaks around the thermostat housing.
Water Pump Failure
Rust can start to build up on a water pump and cause corrosion of the metal, which can create small holes on the pump’s surface. High-pitched sounds coming from the front of the motor might indicate a loose water pump pulley. Coolant leaks can also be a symptom of a failing water pump.
Low Coolant
Low coolant can be one of the main causes of issues with the cooling system, which may cause a dashboard warning light to come on in some vehicles. Other signs of coolant problems may include a rising temperature gauge or the internal heating system having issues working.
​
What are the most common causes of coolant leaks in a car radiator?
Issues with your car’s radiator that may cause coolant leaks include corrosion, damaged hoses, a cracked radiator or even a faulty water pump. Identifying the exact cause of coolant problems requires a skilled technician.
​
Having routine maintenance and inspections are One of the best ways to prevent coolant leaks in your radiator and the other cooling system parts in your vehicle.
getting your coolant flushed and/or replaced and maintaining proper coolant levels can help.
Kool2U was phenomenal! With a busy life style we don’t have time to shut down a vehicle for repair . Luckily I found them on google and gave them a shot . They were super responsive & transparent throughout the whole process!
They scheduled a time that worked best for me, ran several test and went through the whole diagnostic process. Repaired my vehicle and got us back in less than 2 hours, I would recommend them to anyone who wants to find a reliable & trustworthy mechanic who comes to you!
Joseph R.
I am thoroughly pleased with the ethical conduct and professionalism displayed by this company, and I firmly believe that they are the only mobile mechanics in the San Antonio, TX area worthy of my trust and future business. ​
Gage F.
Above-&-Beyond Service!
The company is an all around professional, organize, and well respectable business.
• They go above-&-beyond
• Everyone is well-manner and respectful
• They listen and take all of your concerns seriously
• They are promptly on-time and patient with their clients
• They take the time to explain their work in details
• They are willing to inform their customers about their car/s for future reference
• They don’t have outlandish fees! Alonea J.
Kool2U Full Service Shop & Mobile Service
Asian Autos
Hybrid Electric Vehicles