Crain Ford Jacksonville

Feb 10, 2023
A silver 2023 Ford Edge being driven on the road with buildings in the background. | Ford service in Jacksonville, AR.

Is Ford’s engine hotter than usual? Although there are several causes for the increased heat, the most typical is a faulty radiator. Do you want to maintain your car’s peak performance? Watch out for the following signs to know if you need a radiator repair before consulting with your Ford dealer in Jacksonville, AR.


Your Engine Has Temperatures That Are Too High

When your engine’s temperatures rise, your vehicle will gradually overheat. When this happens, check your Ford’s temperature device on the dashboard tool panel to determine if its meter has risen above the middle. Typically, high temperatures imply issues with your radiator.

Inspect the radiator immediately before the temperature rises further. At best, you may need more coolant. Still, don’t risk damaging your engine permanently by driving the overheated car. Seek expert inspection.


Your Engine Releases White Smoke

When an abnormal amount of white smoke emanates from your car’s engine, know there’s an issue worth addressing. In general, white smoke may indicate leakage in the internal coolant system. This arises when your engine burns up your coolant, which exits through the exhaust.

Although the issue might not cause alarm, have your dealer inspect the white smoke’s origin to be safe.


Your Vehicle Has a Poor Heating System

Do you feel like your vehicle heater’s system is compromised? Is your heater not efficient? If yes, you may have an issue with your radiator. Hot coolant fluid keeps your car heater power. When your radiator is compromised, it won’t heat the coolant fluid sufficiently. Apart from experiencing excess heat, you’ll also experience too much cold, which is more apparent during the cold season.


Your Coolant Leaks on the Ground

One of the most visible signs of a faulty radiator is having a coolant leakage underneath your vehicle. Are there drips or puddles of a bright green substance underneath it? This generally implies a leak in the radiator, which can cause permanent damage to your engine.

Because the source of the leak could be your hose or other parts of your vehicle’s cooling system, you shouldn’t diagnose the problem yourself. We can help you identify whether your radiator is cracked and needs a replacement by conducting a pressure test.


Your Radiator Discolors and Rusts

When exposed to moisture and fluids for a long time, your radiator will start to look rusty because it’s made up of metal. So, watch out for color changes. In some cases, the rust might be accompanied by sludge.

Note that rust in your radiator can permanently damage your vehicle. The only way to get rid of it is by having your dealer flush your entire system. We not only specialize in flushing but also in replacing the corroded parts in your system. We are well aware that a simple flush is not adequate to fix the problem.

If you’ve spotted any one of these signs, don’t hesitate. Seek expert assessment today. Stop by Crain Ford of Jacksonville today and have your vehicle assessed.