Does Your Mazda Need a Radiator Repair?

Are you concerned that your Mazda may be having radiator problems? To have the problem diagnosed correctly, have your Mazda dealer check it over to determine if a radiator repair is in order. In the meantime, we have compiled a list of common symptoms of radiator issues for you to consider. Read on to learn more.

Does Your Mazda Need a Radiator Repair?

Coolant Leaks

If you notice drops of coolant on your driveway, this would indicate your radiator housing has developed cracks or holes. Leaking is caused by severe rust buildup inside the radiator and can be prevented with regular radiator flushes. Even a small leak of coolant can cause the engine to overheat, resulting in costly repairs.

Your best option is to have your radiator checked by your Mazda dealer at the first sign of a leak, to ward off more costly repairs down the road.

High-Temperature Readings

The temperature gauge in a vehicle is a very handy but sometimes overlooked indicator of a problem with your car’s engine. A radiator that is in good working order will prevent the engine from overheating. So if your temperature gauge goes up, your engine is overheating, which would point to a problem with the radiator.

If your engine’s temperature is consistently registering in the “red zone”, your radiator may be clogged. This can be caused by rust (corrosion) inside the radiator or other debris that clogs the radiator and prevents the engine from being cooled properly.

Fluid Discoloration

Paying attention to the color of your vehicle’s coolant can help you detect a potential problem with the radiator.  The coolant should be a bright color (such as green, yellow, orange, red, pink, or blue) when it is allowed to flow freely through the radiator. Over time, the coolant will become discolored due to sludge buildup, which will cause the color to turn rusty or dark like oil.

An easy way to determine the color of the coolant is to check the coolant overflow tank. If your coolant is contaminated, it will become thicker and will not flow easily through the system. A radiator flush would allow the coolant to flow freely again, preventing your engine from overheating.

Passenger Heating Area Not Working

If you are noticing your car’s heater is not working properly, a clogged or leaking radiator may be the culprit. When the hot coolant passes through the heater core, hot air develops. This air is then blown into the car by way of a blower fan. If the radiator is not functioning properly, it won’t allow for enough warm air to be created to warm the interior of the car.

It is important to note that this problem could be caused by a bad thermostat as well. A qualified Mazda mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem accurately.

Thinking about upgrading your current vehicle, or adding another vehicle to the household? Contact the team at Mazda City of Orange Park today to arrange a test drive of one of our many quality new or used vehicles.

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