Your radiator pumps coolant through your engine to ensure it stays at a reasonable temperature. Unfortunately, sometimes this system malfunctions, and you end up needing a radiator repair. Making an appointment with your El Paso, TX Acura dealer will help you get this problem taken care of.
1. Your Temperature Gauge Is Climbing
The most serious and most obvious indication that your radiator is in need of repair is if your vehicle overheats. Be mindful of the temperature gauge while you’re driving. The needle on this gauge will show that your vehicle is heating up, and that’s when you know that it’s time to stop driving.
2. Your Vehicle Produces Steam
Your vehicle will start producing steam in serious cases of overheating. It comes from under your hood and is caused by a lack of coolant running through your engine. Your engine’s components may melt and fuse together when this occurs, so please pull up to the curb to let your vehicle cool down. Refrain from driving until your radiator is repaired.
2. You Have an Internal Leak
An internal leak is caused by a punctured or otherwise broken hose in your cooling system. This allows coolant to leak onto your engine and the surrounding components, which will lower your coolant level and discolor your engine. It can also create spots on your engine that will rust in the future – this can also damage your engine. Your cooling system requires a repair, and you’ll need a technician to check on your engine to ensure it’s not damaged.
3. Your Coolant Level is Dropping
Every so often you should check the levels of each fluid in your vehicle. They need to be at the correct level for your vehicle to function properly. Low levels of any fluid will cause problems that can damage your engine.
It may occasionally seem like one of your fluids is being used up faster than the rest of them, and this can be normal if you’ve been driving more than usual recently. If you haven’t increased the frequency of your driving, then the low fluid level typically indicates a leak.
4. You See Coolant Near Your Vehicle
Walk around your vehicle before every journey, as this will help you spot any pools of fluid nearby. If you spot a fluid pool near your vehicle, then you need to inspect it. Take note of the color, consistency, and odor of this fluid. It may be rainwater or another harmless liquid, but it could also be something leaking out of your vehicle.
Coolant is easy to recognize by its bright color and sweet smell. However, it can be mistaken for a spilled milkshake or melted ice cream that someone dropped, so be mindful of this. Always assume that the puddle is coolant, as this will ensure you keep your vehicle safe. Take a sample of the fluid to a technician and clean up the rest.
If you notice one of the issues above, give us a call or schedule an appointment with the service department at FOX Lexus of El Paso to bring your vehicle in and we’ll get it sorted out.
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