The cooling system in your Kia is made up of the radiator, thermostat, and water pump. These parts perform an important function to prevent your car’s engine from overheating. If your radiator is not working as it should, schedule an appointment asap for a radiator repair before more damage occurs.
Does Your Kia Need a Radiator Repair?
Rising Temperature
When you notice that the needle on the temperature gauge is in the red and this occurs constantly, it could be caused by low fluid levels or a faulty thermostat. For your radiator to operate at full capacity, all the cooling system components must work properly to keep the engine cool. A malfunctioning or broken thermostat will prevent the release of the correct amount of fluid that will cause overheating.
The Coolant Is Leaking
If you have to top off your coolant more often or see a spot of bright green, pink, orange, or yellow fluid under your vehicle, you have a coolant leak. This is caused by leaky hoses that are loose or degraded, but the leak could also come from the radiator. When coolant is leaking, there is not enough fluid to cool the engine down.
The Radiator or Engine Is Overheating
Overheating is a typical sign of cooling system issues. When your vehicle overheats when idling, it is the result of a problem with the cooling system. Overheating while idling could be caused by a faulty radiator fan that pulls air into the radiator to cool it down. Switch your car off and allow it to cool down.
You See Steam
If steam is pouring out from under the hood, your car is overheating. Your vehicle’s radiator cools down the fluid to lower the engine’s heat. When you see smoke coming from the radiator, it’s a sure sign that there is a problem with the radiator. The best cause of action is to pull over and wait for the engine to cool down. Contact your dealership immediately and ask for assistance.
White Smoke From the Tailpipe
If white smoke is coming from the tailpipe, there might be an internal coolant leak. Wait for the engine to cool down and check your coolant level. If it’s low, you might have a leak. Ask your technician to take a look.
The Radiator Is Clogged
A build-up will prevent the flow of coolant and make it more difficult for the radiator to distribute to correct amount of coolant to the engine. If your car is overheating and you see a thick sludge-like substance inside the radiator, your radiator is clogged. It is this thick sludge that is causing your car to overheat.
A Rusty Radiator
Rust is another culprit that can cause overheating. If your coolant turns a brownish color, rust has set in. When a radiator is rusty, holes could form, causing leaks. If you don’t attend to the problem soon, the radiator will malfunction.
If you experience these issues, it’s best to schedule an appointment so that a qualified technician can repair your radiator. You don’t want to wait for more damage to occur that will lead to expensive repairs. Contact Crain Kia of Conway today. We have the expertise to ensure that your cooling system is in perfect working order.
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