Your vehicle's radiator prevents the engine from overheating as it runs. The coolant, which runs through the engine and absorbs heat, travels to the radiator, where air flows over it and pulls the warmth away. When this component starts to fail, you can prevent serious engine trouble by replacing it with a high-quality used radiator immediately. Look for the following signs that it's time for a replacement.

When to Replace Your Radiator

1. Rising Temperatures

The dashboard has a gauge on it, which tells you the current temperature inside the engine. Depending on how old the car is, this may be a needle gauge or a digital display.

If the needle is in the red zone or the digital display warns that it's too hot, pull over and let the engine cool down. Until you can replace the component, only drive the vehicle for short periods to avoid overheating the engine and causing a breakdown. 

2. Coolant Leak

Coolant is a fluid with a bright color, such as yellow, red, pink, or green. If the liquid leaks down from the front of the engine, either while you're driving or when parked, this could indicate that the radiator is damaged. 

You may also know you have a leak if the low coolant dash light illuminates. A mechanic can conduct a pressure test to determine if the radiator is the cause or if the leak is elsewhere in the coolant line. If the radiator is the issue, you'll need to replace it to prevent future problems.

3. Discolored Coolant

The coolant should be a bright color. If it becomes contaminated with dirt, minerals from undistilled water, or other debris, it thickens and becomes darker. As the substance turns to sludge, it clogs up the radiator. 

If you catch this problem early, you may be able to salvage the current radiator by flushing the system. If the coolant is dark brown, the sludge buildup is likely so bad that the radiator needs to be replaced. 

When it's time to replace your radiator, you can pick up a replacement part for an affordable price at Stewart's Used Auto Parts in Barkhamsted, CT. This salvage yard has a wide selection of used radiators for all makes and models. They refurbish and test each part to ensure they give customers the perfect solutions for their car troubles. Learn more about their services on the website, or call (860) 379-7541 to ask about their used radiators.