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The primary function of your Ford’s radiator is to keep the components under the hood cool, the engine at ideal temperatures, and prevent overheating. Below are ways to tell when it’s time to get your Edge, Expedition, or Ranger to your Ford dealer for a radiator repair to avoid extensive engine damage and high repair costs.
A High Temperature Reading
When there’s a problem with your car’s cooling system, the temperature won’t be regulated, and the reading on your temperature gauge will keep rising. If your vehicle overheats when you drive the usual distances, the thermostat is not working correctly, or there is not enough coolant to cool down the components. The radiator fan could be faulty if your car overheats when driving slowly or idling.
Coolant Leaks
Your car is leaking coolant when you have to top the coolant off more regularly than usual and notice a sweet-smelling bright blue, orange, pink, or green puddle on the ground under your car. The leak could be from a hose or from the radiator itself. If there is not enough coolant to keep the engine at the ideal temperature, it will cause your car to overheat.
Contaminated Coolant
The coolant is contaminated when it’s not a bright color but dark brown or even black. Over time the coolant gets contaminated with debris and turns thick. When the coolant is thicker, it doesn’t flow as freely through the system as it should and will clog up the radiator, causing your car to overheat.
Clogged Fins
The fins in front of the radiator carry hot coolant and need airflow to reduce the temperature. Fins clogged with road dirt and debris, such as insects and leaves, prevent airflow. The fins can also get damaged by stones, bugs, and high water pressure. When air is not flowing through freely to reduce the temperature, it will cause overheating issues.
Rust
If your radiator is rusty, you’ve got a serious problem. The rust will contaminate the coolant and create holes that will cause leaks. When the coolant gets contaminated with rust, it won’t perform the task of cooling down the components.
Smoke
White smoke from the tailpipe means you’ve got an internal coolant leak that will cause your car to overheat because there’s insufficient fluid to cool down the engine. When you see smoke billowing out from the front of your vehicle, it’s getting too hot under the hood. Pull over, switch off the engine, and call your dealership for assistance while you wait for your car to cool down.
If your car has radiator problems, call Conway Ford now to avoid extensive damage to your engine. The qualified and experienced Ford technicians will expertly repair your radiator, making your car’s overheating issues a thing of the past.
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