Your Toyota’s radiator is an essential part of your engine’s cooling system. An engine runs hot, but this high temperature can rapidly cause damage to the engine. Your radiator’s function is to act as a heat exchange system, swooping hot air from the engine for cool air from the outside. If you need a radiator repair, as your Toyota dealer we can fix it for you. These are a few signs you may need to see us very soon.
Signs You Need a Radiator Repair at Your Annapolis, MD Toyota Dealer
Damaged Thermostat
Your engine operates best at a temperature range between 195 F and 220 F. Continually running at a high temperature can cause damage to your engine. Once the temperature reaches 180 F, coolant will be released into your engine to reduce the temperature. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine and transports it to the radiator where it’s cooled. The thermostat controls the release of coolant.
A damaged thermostat will jam either open or closed. If the thermostat jams open, your engine temperature will be too low due to the continual flow of coolant. If the thermostat jams closed, it won’t release any coolant regardless of how hot the engine becomes. Without a flow of coolant to reduce the temperature, your engine will start to overheat. Our technicians can easily replace the thermostat.
Damaged Water Pump
As we’ve seen, coolant is released when your engine temperature rises over 180 F. The coolant is pumped through your engine at a high speed, and it absorbs heat as it moves through the system. When the coolant reaches your radiator, it flows into rows of thin aluminum tubes. Outside air flows over the tubes and cools the hot coolant inside. The coolant then recirculates through the system.
If the pump is damaged, coolant will still be released, but it won’t be pumped through the system. Without the coolant to absorb the engine heat, your engine temperature will rapidly increase. A water pump is easy and quick to install, and our expert technicians will replace it for you.
Leaking Coolant
Coolant is essential to keep your engine temperature under control. It isn’t consumed as it works, which means a lack of coolant must be due to a leak in the cooling system. Leaking coolant is usually easy to spot, as it’s pink, green, yellow, or blue. If you see a puddle in any of these colors under your car, there’s a problem.
Coolant can leak from numerous places, including the radiator hoses, a crack in the radiator itself, or the coolant reservoir. One of the first signs of a coolant leak is a sudden increase in your engine temperature. The more coolant your engine loses, the faster your engine temperature will rise. It’s dangerous to drive without coolant, and we advise calling us ASAP if you see or suspect a coolant leak.
Most radiator problems can be quickly and easily repaired. Call our service department at Koons Toyota Annapolis, and our experts will find and fix the problem for you.
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