Your car’s radiator is essential in preventing your car from overheating. Hot coolant passes through the radiator, where thin fins direct the heat out the engine and the coolant then recirculates through the engine. In time, influenced by driving conditions, you may need a radiator repair. Here in Alexandria, VA your Chrysler dealer is available to help.
Engine Temperature Is Constantly Too High
Lack of coolant, constricted airflow through the cooling system or clogged hoses are all possible causes of your engine running too hot. To operate correctly, the coolant passes through your engine and absorbs the heat generated as your car’s engine works. If this hot coolant is not cooled, it will pass back into the system and continue to absorb more heat.
If you are driving, and you see that your engine temperature continues to climb, you need to pull over and stop your car immediately. Permanent damage to the engine can occur if it continues to run hot.
Pool of Coolant
Coolant is a sweet-smelling liquid that is usually bright green, although pink and yellow are also possible colors. If you notice a pool of this liquid under your car, this is a sure sign that your engine is in trouble. Without coolant, your engine block may crack or your head gasket may blow. Neither option is good, as both are expensive to repair.
Thermostat Failure
The thermostat controls the flow of coolant into the radiator when the temperature hits a predetermined limit. If the thermostat fails, coolant will not be released into your engine, and the temperature will rise.
Rust on the Radiator
A leak in one of the hoses, or a leak in your radiator can cause hot coolant to squirt onto the hot engine. When this liquid is burnt off, it leaves behind discolored patches on the radiator that may start to rust. As your car engine is never exposed to the elements, any sign of rust in your engine can only be caused by some liquid in the engine spraying out.
Damaged Radiator Hoses
In time, the radiator hoses may become brittle and crack. If this occurs, coolant will leak out and your engine temperature will rise. Damaged hoses are one of the first things our technicians will check for, and easily replace if they are the only source of the problem.
Cracks in the Radiator
Extreme winter temperatures can cause cracks in your radiator due to the freezing and expansion of fluid in the unit. These cracks will start as hairline ones, and then grow bigger over time, damaging the radiator even more.
To prevent serious damage to your car, if you experience any of these signs, call our service department immediately at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria. Our certified experts and cutting-edge equipment can repair any possible issue your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram may experience.
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