An overheating engine can blow a gasket or even seize up altogether. Your cooling system prevents this from happening. But without a fully functioning radiator, your engine won't stay cool for long. So if you ever notice the following three signs of radiator problems, visit your local Ford dealer right away for radiator repair. Does Your Ford Need a Radiator Repair? Your Engine's Overheating The first sign of radiator trouble is often an overheating engine. When this happens, you'll usually hear loud ticking or thumping sounds as your engine starts to malfunction. You might detect a burning smell, the engine's power will drop, the hood will become hot to the touch, and you might even see smoke emerging from the front of your car. Always keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge on your Ford's dashboard. If the dial begins to creep up, pull over and check your engine and your cooling system. More often than not, overheating is caused by a faulty radiator. You Find Rust on Your Radiator Engine parts can become exposed to moisture over time, especially in cold or damp environments. Any build-up of rust will eventually damage a radiator, creating coolant leaks or interfering with the mechanical parts. The more you use your car, the less likely its parts are to gather rust. This is because the heat of a working engine steams away moisture. So if you live in cold or damp conditions, try to use your vehicle at least once a day. Also, check your engine often and scrub away any initial signs of rust while they're still minor. more You See Leaking Coolant The steady flow of coolant is what keeps your engine from overheating. This specialist fluid plumps through a system that takes it continuously from the engine to the radiator and back again. As it flows, the radiator cools coolant down. And if your coolant leaks, it will no longer be able to serve its cooling function. Coolant usually has a bright color, such as yellow, green, blue, or red, which makes it easier to spot a leak. You can also check the level in your coolant container, which has markings to indicate the appropriate level. Leaks can sometimes spring around the radiator hose connections or elsewhere in the radiator. A technician will find and fix a leak for you. How a Ford Dealer Inspects Your Radiator First and foremost, a mechanic at your local dealership will check your coolant levels and top up as necessary. They'll also inspect your radiator and entire cooling system for indications of corrosion, rust, damage, or leaks. This process includes running pressure tests on various components such as the radiator cap, thermostat, and fans. Have your radiator examined today by experienced technicians at Ken Ganley Ford West. We're the dealership of choice for Ford drivers in Northeast Ohio. Our welcoming team of knowledgeable professionals is dedicated to giving every single customer the region's very best service.