Your Honda’s engine operates most effectively at a high temperature. The radiator is the center of the cooling system, which allows the engine to work efficiently but protects it from overheating. Over time, the radiator can become damaged due to the constant heat and pressure, and you’ll need to visit your Honda dealer for a radiator repair. We’ve listed some of the signs of a worn radiator below.
Signs You Need a Radiator Repair at Your Honda Dealer
Rising Temperature Gauge
When you start your engine, the temperature gauge will slowly rise due to the heat from combustion. The temperature should reach approximately the middle of the dial and hover there as the cooling system kicks in to prevent the engine from overheating. When you accelerate, the gauge will rise temporarily until the cooling system speeds up, bringing the temperature down again.
If your temperature gauge rises for no apparent reason, this is a sign of potential trouble. An engine that is too hot can rapidly overheat and suffer major damage. We recommend visiting our service department ASAP so we can examine your engine and fix the cause of the increased temperature before any damage is caused.
Coolant Loss
The coolant’s purpose is to absorb heat generated by the myriad of engine components and transfer this heat to the radiator. Once the coolant reaches the radiator, it’s cooled by airflow through the radiator grille. A coolant leak can result from several different problems. These include damaged hoses, loose hose clamps, or holes in the radiator.
Coolant can leak out of your car or into the engine. An external leak is easy to identify, as coolant is purposefully colored in bright colors like pink, yellow, orange, or green. An internal leak is also easily identifiable, as the coolant will be expelled through the tailpipe. The water in the coolant will turn your exhaust smoke white and thick. Our technicians will isolate the cause of the leak and repair it to fix this problem.
Damaged Radiator Cap
The radiator cap is installed on the top of the radiator, and it helps to control the pressure in the cooling system. The cooling system must work at high pressure to ensure the coolant moves fast enough to maintain a safe engine operating temperature. If the temperature in the cooling system rises too high, the cap opens temporarily to bleed excess pressure and then closes again.
The cap is securely screwed into the radiator, and it has two protective seals to ensure an airtight fit. These seals can become worn over time, and damaged seals can allow coolant to escape. The leaking coolant will evaporate and leave white streaks behind on the radiator. We can easily replace the damaged cap, and the leak will stop.
If your engine is running too hot, call us right away at Skyway Honda of Enid.
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