Crain Buick GMC of Springdale

Dec 16, 2021

Your radiator is one of the most essential components of your vehicle because it keeps your motor cool. There is a specific temperature range your motor should operate at. If it overheats, it could cause so much damage that your motor could require extensive repairs. Today, we’re looking at how to tell whether your Buick or GMC needs a radiator repair from your local Buick dealer so serious damage doesn’t occur.

Does Your Buick or GMC Vehicle Need a Radiator Repair at Your Local Buick Dealer?

Your Engine Is Overheating

One of the clearest signs that your radiator needs to be repaired is an overheating engine. There are several things that can damage your engine, including contaminants circulating throughout your engine. However, very little has more potential to damage your engine than prolonged overheating. To ensure your engine is never too hot for too long, check the temperature gauge on your dashboard when you drive regularly.

As soon as you notice that your engine is dangerously hot, turn up the heat in your Buick or GMC as high as possible and roll down your windows so you don’t get too hot. As you are turning up the heat in your vehicle to take a little strain off of your radiator, look for a safe place to pull over and stop your vehicle. You should turn your engine off for at least 15 minutes and check your coolant level while you are waiting for it to cool.

Your Coolant Is Leaking

It is highly advisable to check your coolant level monthly to catch a leak before it gets too bad. If you don’t have enough coolant in your reservoir, there is a very strong chance your motor will overheat and sustain serious damage. You can tell that you have a coolant leak if you are losing coolant from one month to the next.

If you check your reservoir and notice that your coolant level is too low, top it off with more coolant as soon as possible. If you don’t have any extra coolant available, top off the reservoir with water.

Your Coolant Is Dirty

Another clear sign that your radiator needs to be repaired is dirty coolant. When you check your coolant level, make sure the coolant is bright red, green, or yellow. If it looks rusty or dark, contaminants have made their way into their radiator, forming deposits that are turning into sludge.

The more sludge that forms and circulates throughout your radiator, the less efficient it will be. Therefore, there is a greater chance of your engine overheating and becoming damaged.

Some of the most common signs that you need to repair your radiator are an overheating engine, a sign of a coolant leak, and an indication that your radiator is collecting sludge. If you’ve noticed any of these signs that your radiator needs to be worked on, visit us as soon as possible at Crain Buick GMC of Springdale on West Sunset Avenue to have your radiator fixed.