What are the symptoms of a damaged car small radiator?
2 Answers
Damage to the car's small radiator can prevent the vehicle from cooling properly, cause coolant leakage leading to failure of the vehicle's cooling system, and may result in the radiator or engine overheating. Timely repair or replacement is necessary if the small radiator is damaged. Methods to prevent small radiator clogging are as follows: 1. Maintain clean coolant: Avoid adding ordinary water casually or using tap water when coolant is low, as this can cause scale buildup in the cooling system. Replace the coolant every 2-3 years, or promptly clean the radiator and cooling passages if the coolant appears cloudy, then refill with fresh coolant. 2. Regularly activate the heater: During summer, turn on the heater twice a month to circulate coolant through the small radiator of the heater, reducing scale formation and clogging.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered the issue of a faulty small radiator several times. The most obvious sign while driving is the temperature gauge needle jumping up rapidly, quickly hitting the red warning zone. The dashboard lights up with a high-temperature warning light, and with the windows open, you can smell a sweet, syrupy odor—that's the coolant evaporating. When you stop to check, the area around the small radiator under the hood is soaked, and there's a puddle of green or pink coolant on the ground. If ignored, the engine temperature can skyrocket, leading to blown head gaskets or cylinder scoring, which is extremely dangerous if you break down on the highway. Once, when I towed it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the plastic on the small radiator had aged and cracked, causing the pressure regulation to fail and leak. It's important to make a habit of checking the coolant reservoir level—if it's below the minimum line, be alert. Remember not to push your luck on the highway; find a safe place to stop and call for roadside assistance immediately.
