What are the symptoms of a clogged radiator?
2 Answers
Consequences of a clogged car radiator: The coolant cannot circulate effectively between the radiator and the engine, reducing the radiator's cooling performance. The decrease in the radiator's cooling performance causes the engine temperature to rise rapidly. If the vehicle continues to be driven under these conditions, the engine may suffer from cylinder scuffing. Below is a partial introduction to the car radiator: 1. Main components: The radiator is part of the car's cooling system. The radiator in the engine's water cooling system consists of three parts: the inlet chamber, outlet chamber, main plate, and radiator core. 2. Main function: When the engine's water temperature is high, the water pump circulates water repeatedly to lower the engine's temperature, thereby protecting the engine. In winter, if the water temperature is too low, the water circulation stops to prevent the engine temperature from becoming too low.
I know this issue well! A clogged radiator will immediately throw a tantrum. The most common symptom is the temperature gauge shooting up—within just ten minutes of driving, it can hit the red line. You'll also hear the electric fan spinning wildly, buzzing like a helicopter, especially noticeable at red lights. Another hidden symptom is the heater not blowing hot air, since the heater also relies on coolant circulation. If you feel the upper radiator hose scorching hot while the lower one is ice-cold, it's 80% clogged. In more severe cases, you'll see the coolant temperature warning light on the dashboard, or even white smoke from under the hood. Don't push it—my neighbor once kept driving and blew the head gasket, costing over 8,000 RMB to fix. Shut off the engine immediately and call a tow truck!
