Do you know the signs of a faulty radiator? It’s painfully easy to neglect to get a radiator repair when you need one ASAP. We’re going to teach you the signs of a faulty radiator, and that way, you can stop by your Volkswagen dealer at the first sign of trouble.
Signs You Need a Radiator Repair from Your Volkswagen Dealer
1. Your Temperature Gauge Points to Hot
If your temperature gauge is pointing to hot, then it’s a sign that you need to get your radiator fixed. A climbing temperature gauge is something you should never ignore, and it’s usually a sign that your radiator isn’t doing its job correctly. Pull over as soon as you can and get a tow truck to take you to the dealership.
If you keep driving with the ever-climbing temperature gauge, then you could be in for a much more serious consequence of your radiator trouble. Steam will pour from beneath your hood, and parts of your engine can actually melt due to the heat. Replacing engine parts is far costlier than fixing a faulty radiator, so be sure to get your issue fixed as quickly as possible.
2. Your Radiator Is Discolored
If you notice discoloration on your radiator or the area around it, then you might have radiator trouble. Rusty and discolored spots are a sign that you have a leak somewhere in your radiator system. The coolant is squirting out and landing on the hotter parts of your engine and radiator, and due to the temperature difference, the coolant bubbles away quickly. This leaves the discoloration behind, and the discolored spots begin to rust with time.
If the discolored spots are rusty, then you know that this leak has been going on for a while. You can’t leave this even a day longer, as the leak will only get worse, and you can’t drive if all of your coolant is leaking and bubbling away.
3. Low Coolant Level
As we said, you can’t drive with a low coolant level, because that means there’s no fluid there cooling your vehicle. If your coolant level is low, then you need to get it topped up as soon as possible. However, you should get your radiator checked out when you’re getting your coolant top-up. Your coolant level may be low because most of your coolant has leaked away, so you’ll need to get a repair if that’s the case.
Generally, you should check your coolant level every few weeks. You’ll learn how quickly it normally drops. If you notice that your coolant level has dropped faster than usual, then it’s a sign that you may have sprung a leak.
4. Coolant Puddle
One indicator that you have a coolant leak is spotting a coolant puddle near your vehicle. The coolant is bright green, yellow, or pink, and it has a sweet aroma. Be sure to clean up this pool before you visit the dealership, as coolant is toxic to animals.
Stop by Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville when you need a fix for your radiator. We’ll make that repair for you.
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