A radiator ends up with rust in it because the coolant corrodes the metal. The radiator is made from aluminum in most cases, and the liquid coolant can cause the radiator to rust on the inside. Unfortunately, this rust will eat away at the bottom of the radiator and cause a leak. This takes a decade, at least, for this to happen. The average lifespan of a radiator is 8 to ten years. Rust is just one sign your radiator needs to be replaced. Here are other signs.
High Engine Temperatures
High engine temperatures can be caused by overheating coolant. You need the radiator to reduce the coolant’s temperature after it has circulated through the engine. The radiator relies on air and a fan to do this. If the radiator is clogged or the fins are clogged, the coolant may overheat and, in turn, overheat the engine while you are driving.
Leaking Coolant
As we mentioned above, the corrosion can eat through the bottom of the radiator. When this happens, you may end up with a coolant leak and a low level of coolant in the cooling system. This, too, can overheat the engine while you are driving. The radiator cap can also leak coolant if it is damaged or too loose. Only check the cap when the engine is cold.
Rusty Brown Coolant
The engine’s coolant may reflect that the radiator is rusted on the inside. If the normally bright and translucent color has turned brown and rusty, you’ve got rust in the coolant. In some cases, the coolant may also look orangish in its color. Either way, it is time to replace the radiator and engine coolant in order to restore normal engine operating temperatures.
Bent Radiator Fins
Finally, the radiator fins help the radiator dissipate heat to cool off the coolant. The fins are on the side of the radiator, and they are metal pieces that protrude from the side. Road debris can damage the fins. In addition, road debris can clog the fins. This will prevent airflow into the radiator and heat dissipation out of the radiator. Consequently, your engine will overheat.
We can help. Call us today for a service appointment if your radiator is bad, your coolant is rusty, and/or your engine is overheating. We will inspect the cooling system to get to the bottom of the problem. If we need to replace the radiator, we will.