Your engine coolant may be orange because that is its original color. If that is not the original color, however, you have a rusted radiator. The rust that is corroding the radiator mixes with the coolant and turns it orange. Unfortunately, this rust can also be circulated through the cooling system. Orange engine coolant is just one sign that your radiator needs to be replaced, which is generally required after approximately 10 years. Here are other signs that you need a new radiator.
Leaking Engine Coolant
Unfortunately, the rust inside the radiator will start to eat through the metal. The reason why the radiator is rusty is that it stores the engine coolant when it is not circulating through the engine. The radiator is made out of metal, and the coolant is a liquid. It makes sense that this combination causes corrosion inside the radiator. Consequently, if the radiator ends up with holes in the bottom of it, it will leak engine coolant onto the garage floor.
Damaged Radiator Fins
The radiator also has fins built into it that allow airflow through the radiator. This is designed to cool off the coolant once it has circulated through the engine. These fins can get damaged by road debris. Unfortunately, when this happens, the air may no longer be able to flow through them. The fins are part of the radiator. In other words, if they are damaged, the radiator is damaged. Consequently, you will need a new radiator installed in the cooling system.
Constant Overheating
The most common indication that you need a new radiator is an engine that overheats constantly. This constant overheating can make driving your automobile difficult if not impossible. You should never drive the automobile when the engine is running too hot because you can cause additional and extensive damage. Consequently, the best plan of attack is to have your vehicle towed to our shop so we can install a new radiator in the cooling system.
If you are having any of the problems listed above, give us a call so we can set an appointment for your automobile. We will inspect the cooling system and provide a detailed estimate of what it will take to repair it. Once you give us the okay, we will repair the cooling system. This may include replacing the radiator if it is corroded or damaged in some other way.
