The automobile radiator is an important part of the engine cooling system, which is responsible for the heat generated by the engine to the air to ensure the normal operating temperature of the engine. Once the radiator fails, it may cause the engine to overheat, and the heavy may cause the engine to pull the cylinder or even be scrapped. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the radiator needs to be replaced in time.

Here are some common ways to determine whether a car radiator needs to be replaced:

• Observe coolant level and color:

Low level: If the coolant level is often below the minimum scale and drops quickly even after adding, there may be a leak problem and the radiator and its connecting lines need to be checked.

Abnormal color: Normal coolant color is usually red, green, or blue. If the coolant becomes dark, cloudy or rusty, it indicates that the cooling system may be corroded or contaminated, and it is necessary to replace the coolant and check the radiator in time.

• Check the appearance of the radiator:

Leakage traces: Observe whether there are traces of coolant leakage on the surface and joints of the radiator, such as water stains, rust, etc.

Deformation or damage: Check whether the radiator has bump, deformation, heat sink lodging, etc., which will affect the heat dissipation effect.

Blockage: Observe whether there is dust, catkins, insects and other debris between the radiator fins, affecting the air circulation.

• Keep an eye on engine temperature:

Abnormal water temperature meter: If the water temperature meter pointer is often in the red high temperature area, or the water temperature is high and low, it indicates that there may be a problem with the heat dissipation system.

Boiling phenomenon: If there is a large amount of white water vapor in the engine compartment and accompanied by boiling sound, it indicates that the engine is seriously overheating and needs to be stopped immediately for inspection.

• Other anomalies:

Warm air is not hot: If the warm air in the car is not hot or the heating effect is poor, it may be due to poor coolant circulation or radiator blockage.

Air conditioning refrigeration effect is poor: some models of air conditioning condenser and radiator installed together, if the radiator heat dissipation is poor, it will also affect the cooling effect of air conditioning.

• Professional testing:

Pressure test: Use a special pressure tester to pressurize the cooling system, simulate the pressure under the working state of the engine, and check whether there is leakage of the radiator and its connecting pipes.

Endoscopy: Use an endoscope to go deep inside the radiator and observe whether there are defects such as blockage, corrosion, and cracks in the radiator channel.

Flow test: Measure the flow of coolant through the radiator to determine whether there is blockage inside the radiator, affecting the coolant circulation.

Replacement and maintenance: 

The radiator should be replaced in time if it is seriously leaking, blocked, corroded or damaged beyond repair. To extend the life of the engine, replace the coolant regularly, clean the surface of the radiator, use high-quality coolant and check the status of the fan to ensure the normal operation of the engine.

Summary

To determine whether the car radiator needs to be replaced, it is necessary to consider many factors such as the state of the coolant, the appearance of the radiator, and the running state of the engine. It is recommended that the owner regularly carry out maintenance checks on the vehicle, timely discover and solve the problems existing in the cooling system, and ensure the normal operation of the engine.