Things To Know About Radiator Replacement: Subaru Ownership Tips At Capitol Subaru

 

4. Signs My Radiator Needs To Be Replaced

The radiator is part of your vehicle's engine cooling system, so if you find your vehicle is overheating as you drive, the radiator may not be doing its job. This is the most important warning sign to watch for that your radiator may need to be replaced.

You might also notice coolant leaking from under the front of your car. Coolant is typically green, pink or yellow, and a puddle of this color under your car could be a coolant leak. But, even if you can't see a large puddle from a big leak, a low coolant level could be due to a smaller leak in the radiator. Even if it's not big enough to create a noticeable puddle, a small radiator leak will eventually mean you don't have enough coolant to keep the engine at a safe operating temperature.

 

3. What Cooling System Components Are Related To The Radiator?

A component called the water pump pushes coolant throughout the system. A part called the thermostat regulates the flow of coolant, so the engine can rise to its optimal operating temperature quickly after you start it, and remain there for the duration of your drive. There's also a cooling fan that helps to force additional air over the radiator, especially when you're sitting still like at a stop light. You've also got the coolant hoses themselves, the coolant reservoir and often an overflow tank as well. If any of these parts spring a leak or malfunction, your car may display similar symptoms to a bad radiator.

2. Causes of Radiator Damage

After a fender bender collision, you may want to take a close look at your radiator, or have a technician look for you. Most cars position the radiator right behind the front bumper and grille. Even if the car seems to drive just fine right after an accident, the radiator could have suffered damage. And while some cars feature plastic-tank radiators, others are metal and at risk of rust when not properly maintained. Rusty radiators won't work as well and may allow the engine to overheat over time. Finally, sludge or particulate build-up inside the radiator can occur if you don't have the coolant system flushed out and filled with fresh coolant occasionally. In modern cars, the coolant system may only need to be flushed every 100,000 miles or so. However, older vehicles may need flush-and-fill service more often. Talk with one of our technicians about what's right for your car!

 

1. Can You Safely Drive A Vehicle With A Damaged Radiator?

If your coolant system has only a small leak, you may be able to drive your car safely to our service center for a repair. However, if the engine is overheating, we don't recommend driving it. An engine that overheats can quickly sustain show-stopping damage. For that reason, if you see an engine overheating warning light or that oil temperature needle drifts into the red, we recommend stopping the vehicle as soon as possible and getting a tow to an authorized Subaru service center.