4 Signs Your Chrysler Vehicle Needs a Radiator Repair

It’s your radiator’s job to make sure your engine doesn’t overheat, so it can be disastrous when there’s something wrong with your cooling system. It’s pretty easy to spot the signs that you need a radiator repair, though, so you’ll be able to head to your Chrysler dealer before the problem gets too bad.

1. Coolant Puddles

Coolant pooling under or near your vehicle is easy to spot because it’s a distinctive liquid. It’s usually a bright shade like orange, yellow, or red. It also smells really sweet. If you’re not 100% sure the bright, sweet-smelling liquid under your vehicle is coolant, then take a peek at the liquid still in your radiator to see if the color and smell match the puddle. Be careful not to directly inhale any of the liquid.

2. Rust or Corrosion On Your Radiator

If there are rusty spots on or near your radiator, then you might have a coolant leak. When you have a coolant leak, the liquid can get onto metal components in your radiator, quickly evaporate, and leave rust or discoloration behind.

The metal components of your radiator can also rust because of moisture in the system, exposure to debris from the road, or contaminants in the coolant itself. This can lead to coolant leaking out of the cooling system, so it’s a good idea to get components replaced as soon as you notice they’re starting to corrode.

3. Low or Dropping Coolant Levels

If there’s a lot less coolant in the system than there should be, then you may have a leak, even if you haven’t spotted rusty components or a puddle of coolant. This is especially true if your coolant level seems to be dropping faster than usual. You should check the level every few weeks just to stay on top of things. That’ll also make sure you notice when your coolant level seems to have dropped a lot more than it usually does between checks.

4. Overheating Engine

A faulty radiator can make your temperature gauge climb into the red zone, indicating your engine is overheating. Smoke or steam might start pouring out from under the hood, too. If your engine is overheating, then pull over ASAP and don’t attempt to drive again for at least half an hour. If the temperature gauge starts climbing soon after you start driving again, then call a tow truck. Parts of your engine can actually melt if it can’t cool down.

 

Do you need someone to take a peek at your radiator and fix any problems you’re having? Stop by Cunningham Chrysler of Edinboro, or call us at 814-250-4351 to talk to someone from our service department about bringing your Chrysler in for repairs.

 

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Tags: Auto service, Automotive Service, Radiator
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