Signs that your car radiator needs recoring

Recoring a car radiator involves replacing the core, which is the central component responsible for transferring heat from the coolant to the surrounding air. This is essential for maintaining the engines optimal temperature and ensuring good vehicle performance. However, over time the core of a car radiator can become damaged, and need to be replaced. So what are the key signs that your car car radiator needs recoring? 

What are the key signs that your car radiator needs recoring?

There are a number of key issues to look out for when it comes to a car radiator needing to be recored. These problems include:

  • Overheating
  • Visible coolant leaks and low coolant levels
  • Unusual noises
  • Visible damage
  • Lack of heating
  • Fluctuating temperatures 

Overheating

If your car radiator needs to recoring, one of the most noticeable signs you may experience is the engine overheating. If your engine consistently runs hotter than normal, this is usually a problem caused by the radiator. Often, in fact, this is caused by a build up of debris or corrosion within the radiator core, which leads to a reduction in cooling efficiency. This will mean that the radiator will struggle to dissipate the heat, causing the engine temperature to rise. 

Visible coolant leaks and low coolant levels

Another key sign that your car radiator core needs replacing is visible coolant leaks. If you notice puddles or stains when your car is parked, this is usually caused by coolant leaking from the radiator. This can cause corrosion and physical damage which will need to be resolved quickly and promptly. One of the main reasons for this is that low coolant levels can lead to overheating and engine damage.

In addition to visible leaks, low coolant levels that regularly need to be topped up can also be an indicator of a radiator problem. This is because a functioning radiator should maintain a consistent coolant level, so any deviation from this will need investigating.

Unusual noises

One sign that is often easily overlooked is new, unusual noises. If you hear hissing sounds or notice a bubbling noise when the engine is running, it could be indicative of air pockets in the cooling system. These air pockets will prevent the efficient circulation of coolant and can ultimately lead to overheating. 

Visible damage

If you regularly inspect the radiator for visible damage you will be able to identify problems or issues earlier, and may prevent costly damage. For example, the radiator fins, responsible for dissipating heat, can become bent or obstructed by debris, which has a negative impact on effectiveness. While in some cases it may not be necessary to recore the car radiator, it is an indicator of damage and may need professional attention.

Here at MRS Heat Transfer we are radiator, car heater, oil cooler, and air conditioning experts, and we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to resolve any air conditioning or car heater problem. Why not get in touch today to find out more?