Radiator Repair & Replacement Rancho Santa Margarita

Getting your car inspected regularly is a good idea as it helps detect any issues with your vehicle before they become serious. If you wait too long, then minor issues can become major repairs. So come in for an inspection and get your car checked today. If you just need something like an oil change or tune-up, we can do those for you also. We have a very exhaustive list of services that we offer.

We offer a wide variety of repair services for you at our auto shop in Rancho Santa Margarita. We are a NAPA AutoCare Center with ASE-Certified Master Technicians. Our services include tune ups, batteries, radiators, engine light, transmission, brakes and a lot more. So call us at (949) 709-8007 or schedule an appointment today for help.

What Does a Radiator Do?

The radiator is an important part of your engine responsible for removing heat from it. This is done using liquid coolant (antifreeze) and airflow that passes through the radiator core to lower high temperatures. Keeping the engine cool is what a radiator does.

When your radiator starts to have problems, then the engine will not be able to operate at regulated and safe temperatures. We will now look at some symptoms of a failing radiator.

How Do I Know When the Radiator is Going Bad?

You can check the temperature gauge on your dashboard to see how hot your car is running. If the temperature is too high, then the radiator might be having issues. You can also tell from just looking at the radiator and the area around the engine.

Here are things to spot for:

• Clogged Radiator
  • There are two common types of clogs that can happen in a radiator
    • Debris build-up on the face of the radiator
    • Or, the radiator’s internal core
    • Dirt and debris can restrict airflow, reducing the efficient of the radiator
    • With restricted performance the radiator cannot take heat away from the coolant water
    • The solution is that a mechanic will spray either compressed air or water from the backside of the radiator to remove debris
• Corrosion/Rust
  • If the radiator coolant has not been changed regularly, then corrosion and rust can build on it
  • If the coolant inside the radiator is rusted or turned into sludge, then the engine coolant must be flushed out
  • In some cases, replacing the radiator is the best option
• Leaking
  • You might see coolant water dripping in front of the car when the engine is off. The color of the water is a light green or yellow with a sweet scent.
  • Check the radiator edges for hoses that connect to the engine for any leaks.
  • Smaller leaks can be repaired, however larger ones might need a new radiator.

How We Run a Diagnostic Test on a Radiator

If your temperature gauge reading is higher than normal, then have us take a look at it. We have specialized equipment to test the cooling on the radiator. Our technicians will perform many tests to diagnose this issue. Sometimes just a visual check around the engine area will give us a place to start. We will also check the engine oil and transmission fluid levels.