When you think about what keeps your engine from melting down in the Mississippi heat, your radiator deserves some serious credit. It’s the unsung hero of your cooling system, helping your engine stay at just the right temperature. But when your radiator is struggling, your whole car can pay the price.
Here are the biggest warning signs that your radiator might be waving a white flag:
1. Your Engine Is Overheating If your temperature gauge is creeping into the red zone or you see steam coming from under the hood, pull over immediately. Overheating is a major red flag that your radiator isn’t doing its job. Don’t ignore it—this can lead to serious engine damage.
2. Low or Discolored Coolant Pop the hood and check the coolant reservoir. If the coolant is low, rusty-looking, or sludgy, your radiator might be leaking or breaking down internally. Healthy coolant should be bright (usually green, orange, or pink) and free of debris.
3. Coolant Leaks Under Your Car Notice a green or orange puddle under your car after it’s been parked? That’s likely coolant, and it usually means there’s a leak in your radiator or one of the hoses connected to it. Time to get that checked out.
4. Temperature Fluctuations If your engine temp goes up and down like a roller coaster, it could be a sign of poor coolant circulation—and your radiator might be the problem. This is especially common in older vehicles or ones that haven’t had a coolant flush in a while.
5. Sludge in the Radiator If you open the radiator cap (when the engine is cool, please!) and see brown sludge instead of clean coolant, that’s a sign of corrosion and buildup. That sludge blocks coolant flow and can eventually cause your engine to overheat.
How to Prevent Radiator Problems
- Get your coolant checked regularly
- Flush your radiator every 30,000 miles or as recommended
- Watch for signs of leaks or overheating
- Don’t ignore your temperature gauge or warning lights
We’ll Keep You Cool All Summer Whether it’s a simple coolant top-off or a full radiator replacement, our ASE-certified technicians are here to help. We’ll check your cooling system from top to bottom so you can stay cool on the road—no matter how hot it gets outside.
Stop by one of our central Mississippi locations for a radiator check and summer-ready inspection. Stay cool and drive on!
