Anyone that has spent a summer in sunny California knows it can get boiling hot. Depending on what part of the state you’re living in, you could even bake some cookies on your dash. Besides the dangers of environmental heat, there are many occasions for stop-and-go heavy traffic and weekend trips into the mountains with steep inclines that can tax your vehicle’s engine. All in all, there are many reasons why your engine will run hotter than usual and could cause a problem.
All that engine work places a lot of pressure on your vehicle’s radiator to prevent overheating. If you are not careful, you run the risk of needing an expensive radiator repair service because you didn’t see the signs of potential harm. It is always better to learn some of the basics about your vehicle, so you know how to properly operate it on the road or at least recognize an issue that requires a professional review.
What is a Radiator?
Your vehicle radiator is designed to cool your car through a mixture of water and antifreeze circulating throughout your engine. It works as part of the cooling system by allowing cooler air to flow through its grill. In combination with the circulating liquid, it prevents your engine from overheating and causing severe damage. Some of the more common issues to watch out for with your radiator include:
When Your Car Overheats
Locals living around the greater Sacramento region have probably dealt with an overheating engine once or twice in their lifetimes. This occurs when the temperature gauge on your dash rises well above the mid-range. As a result, you may start to see white steam coming out of the hood area or begin to smell an oddly sweet scent. If you see white smoke or steam coming out of your hood, immediately pull your car over and turn the engine completely off.
Too Little Coolant
Coolant is essential to maintaining the proper operating temperature of your vehicle. If there isn’t enough liquid in the reservoir, there is no way to efficiently keep your car cool. Driving around without coolant is a sure-fire way to overheat your vehicle, and why you will have to find a radiator repair shop in Sacramento.
An Unfortunate Leak
A good practice to have when driving your vehicle is to periodically check underneath for any leftover liquid. This doesn’t include the standard AC run-off water from keeping you cool on a hot day. If you see any brightly colored fluid like green, yellow, or pink, you may have sprung a coolant leak. You should also double-check the front of your car for any signs of rust along your radiator. That means it is being exposed to too much moisture, and could be a leak there as well. In either case, a small leak can lead to a major repair and force you to search for a repair shop near me.
White Smoke from Exhaust Pipe
If you are driving along and notice some white smoke pouring out of your exhaust in your rearview, you need to pull over and turn off your car. You are most likely leaking coolant into the combustion chamber where it is getting burnt up. That is a clear sign that there is a serious issue that will worsen if you continue to drive.
Pay Attention to Your Temp Gauge
Anytime your temperature gauge on your dash starts to climb into the red you have a problem. Slow your car down naturally, and try not to use the breaks too often, as this can add to the heat factor. Pull your vehicle over as soon as you can and turn your engine off so it can cool down. You may be lucky enough to limp to a radiator repair shop in Sacramento nearby.
Where to Get Help
Paying attention to your vehicle is essential to extending its lifespan. You should do regular checks of all your systems, even if that is to get your fluid leveled out whenever you get an oil change. This is important because you want your car to safely transport you and your loved ones around to whatever designation you have in mind without adding potential risk.
The best thing you can do to prevent unwanted radiator repair service is to set up a maintenance schedule. These are routine repairs and system checks that ensure your vehicle is continuously operating at its highest potential. With so many things on the average person’s mind, it only makes sense to have a working professional take care of these proactive steps, so no potential harm is overlooked.
If you are looking for a qualified and trustworthy repair shop for your radiator and maintenance schedule needs, why not visit the professionals at A Auto Care. Their expert team has all the tools, equipment, and know-how to properly diagnose your vehicle and complete the repairs needed to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Send them a note through their contact page or give them a call to discuss a maintenance schedule for your vehicle.