Apr 6, 2024
A 2009 Silver Honda S2000 convertible parked on the racetrack for a stationary picture with forest in the background.

From visible coolant leaks to your engine overheating, there are several ways to tell when you need a radiator repair. Looking out for the signs that your cooling system isn’t in the best shape will let you know to get to your Honda dealership swiftly so you can get the problem fixed before it gets any worse.

5 Key Indicators You Require a Radiator Repair from Your Honda Dealership

1. You Can See You Have a Coolant Leak

Sometimes you’ll see a puddle of coolant near your vehicle when there’s a leak somewhere in the cooling system. Coolant smells sweet, and it’s typically a bright color such as green, orange, or red. Transmission fluid is also red, so it’s important to take a small sniff of any red fluid pooling by your vehicle to see if it has coolant’s distinct smell. Be careful not to directly inhale any of the fumes.


2. You Have a Low Coolant Level

Even if you don’t have a coolant leak, your coolant level can drop. Check the level regularly so you can stay on top of it and get the level topped up as needed. If your coolant level seems to be dropping quickly, then inform your dealer so they can see if there’s a problem with the system.


3. You Have Spots of Discoloration On Your Radiator

Discoloration or rust on your engine or radiator can indicate a coolant leak. When there’s a leak in one of the hoses in the system, the coolant squirts out onto the hot metal components under your hood. Because of all the heat under there, the liquid quickly evaporates and strips the paint at the same time. Over time, these paint-free spots can rust.


4. You Have a Rising Temperature Gauge

When your cooling system is faulty, your vehicle won’t always overheat straight away. Sometimes you’ll just notice your temperature gauge creeping up a little during your journeys, but it doesn’t indicate that your engine is critically hot yet. Visit the dealer to have your cooling system checked before your car overheats.


5. You Have an Overheating Engine

If your radiator can’t do its job of keeping the engine’s temperature regulated, then the engine is going to overheat. When this happens, white smoke will billow out from under your hood. If you see that smoke, then pull over straight away. If you keep driving while your engine is too hot, then you’re going to do some serious damage to it. You’ll likely need a tow truck to bring you to the dealer when your radiator can’t keep your engine cool enough for safe driving.

You need to get your radiator fixed if any of the signs above show up, and you should also get regular maintenance on the cooling system. Visit Boyd Honda Oxford in Oxford, NC for everything you need.