Your GMC’s radiator keeps the engine cool and prevents overheating. When there’s a problem with your radiator, and it’s not repaired fast, it will cause severe damage to your Sierra, Terrain, or Acadia engine. Below are ways to tell when your car needs a radiator repair from the certified technicians at your GMC dealer.
You Get a High-Temperature Reading
The job of your radiator is to keep everything cool under the hood and prevent your car’s engine from overheating. When there’s a problem with the radiator, you’ll get a high-temperature gauge reading. When it’s hot outside, your air conditioner is running, and your car’s temperature gauge reading is higher than usual, it’s normal. If the temperature stays consistently high, get it checked out by a certified GMC technician as soon as possible.
The Coolant Is Dirty and Thick
Coolant is usually a bright green, yellow, pink, or orange. Some are even red or blue and have a syrupy consistency. Over time and with use, the coolant becomes dirty and thick, loses its protective qualities, doesn’t flow as easily through the cooling system, and clogs the radiator, causing your car to overheat.
Your Car Is Leaking Coolant
Your car is leaking coolant if you see pools of bright yellow, green, orange, or pink liquid on the ground under your vehicle. A lack of coolant will cause your car to overheat. Check the coolant level, top it off, and get the leak fixed by a qualified GMC technician as fast as possible to avoid extensive damage to your engine.
Your Radiator Is Rusty
Rust will play havoc with your radiator and cause holes that will result in leaks. If the coolant is brownish, it could be that rust has contaminated the coolant. Contaminated coolant will lose the ability to cool down the engine, cause overheating, and damage not only your radiator but also your engine.
The Fins Are Damaged or Clogged
The delicate tubes that run across the radiator carry hot coolant cooled by air that blows onto the tubes before it flows back to the engine. When leaves, bugs, or dirt clog or damage the fins, it blocks the airflow to cool down the coolant, and the engine will overheat.
You See Smoke From Under the Hood or Tailpipe
Your radiator might be the culprit when it gets too hot under the hood. If you see smoke pouring out from under the hood, don’t continue to drive your car. Pull over in a safe place immediately, wait for your vehicle to cool down, and call your dealer to ask for assistance. If your vehicle leaks coolant, it could also cause smoke from your tailpipe. Check the coolant level; if it’s low, it could indicate a leak.
Act fast to avoid expensive repairs and replacements if your car shows any of these signs. Call Hart Motors GMC today, and the skilled technicians will repair your radiator expertly.
Connect with us
