Unfortunately, an old radiator can start to leak. We will discuss this below. We will also talk about the other problems that occur when the radiator has reached the end of its service and needs to be replaced. Generally, the radiator lasts between eight years and 10 years provided it is maintained. If it isn’t, it may need to be replaced after three years of service. Taking care of the radiator means that you have the cooling system flushed and inspected every 30,000 miles. Let’s talk more about an old radiator.
Leaking Radiator
The reason why an old radiator will start to leak is that the bottom has holes in it. The radiator is made of metal, and it stores the liquid coolant. You don’t need us to tell you what happens when metal and liquid meet. The liquid starts to corrode the metal and eat through it. This happens to the bottom of the radiator. Eventually, the corrosion will eat all the way through the metal and you will end up with holes that will leak engine coolant on your garage floor.
Clogged Radiator
Leaking is not the only problem from which an old radiator can suffer. The radiator can also get clogged by dirt, sediment, and corrosion. When this happens, the coolant may not be able to make its way out of the radiator to be circulated through the engine to keep it cool. When this happens, your engine will overheat every time that you drive your car, truck, or utility vehicle.
Clogged Fins
Another thing that can make your engine overheat is clogged radiator fins. These are air inlets built into the radiator that allow outside air to flow over the coolant. This keeps the coolant cool so it can draw heat away from the engine. Unfortunately, over time, the fins can get clogged by dirt and debris. If they cannot be cleaned, we will have to replace the radiator.
Faulty Fan
Finally, the radiator also has a fan. This fan turns on and off as needed to reduce the coolant temperature once it has circulated through the engine. If the fan gets too old, it may start to malfunction or die completely. A sign that this has happened is no longer hearing the fan in the engine. Your engine will also overheat constantly.
We are here to help, so call us today. We can inspect your radiator and replace it if it is too old and having any of the problems discussed above.