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Your engine operates most efficiently at a high temperature, but this can lead to trouble. Excessive heat buildup in the engine can damage the pistons and cylinders. Your radiator removes this heat buildup and replaces the heat with cooler outside air. If your radiator is damaged, your car is at risk of overheating. Fortunately, your Toyota dealer can perform a radiator repair for you. These are signs that your radiator could be damaged.
Sludge Buildup in the Radiator
Coolant circulates through your engine and absorbs the heat radiating from the engine. This heat is transported to the radiator, where the heat is removed by heat exchange. Once the coolant has cooled, it exits the radiator and circulates through the system again. Unfortunately, coolant also absorbs rust, dirt, and other debris from the engine as it moves.
This debris is deposited in the radiator as the coolant leaves, and it will gradually accumulate. Over time this debris turns into sludge that can block the radiator and its tubes. The blocked tubes prevent the radiator from working, and your engine temperature will climb. Our technicians will fix this problem by power flushing the radiator to remove the debris.
Failed Water Pump
Although it’s called a water pump, this pump pumps coolant, not water. When your engine gets too hot, coolant is released to lower the engine temperature. This pump automatically activates and moves the coolant through your engine at high speed. The speed of the pump matches your rate of acceleration. As your car moves faster, it generates more heat, and the cooling system speeds up to compensate.
A failed water pump has a major impact on the cooling system, as the released coolant won’t be able to move. Without the constant flow of coolant, your engine will rapidly overheat. We’ll check the water pump and replace it if it’s failed.
Leaking Coolant
A coolant leak is a major problem as it reduces the efficiency of the cooling system. As coolant is lost, the pressure in the system drops, and the speed of coolant also falls. When this happens, your engine will start to overheat. Depending on the location of the problem, coolant can leak out of your car, or it can leak into the exhaust system.
A coolant leak into the exhaust is very noticeable as it will produce a thick cloud of white exhaust smoke. An external leak is also easy to see, as the coolant is blue, pink, yellow, or green. If you experience either of these issues, contact our service department right away so we can trace and seal the leak.
Radiator and cooling system problems can cause serious damage to your engine. If you’re experiencing any signs of these issues, call us today at Carlock Toyota of Tupelo.
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