4 Parts That Commonly Fail After the Radiator Goes Bad
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Written by Eric Riddles
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Published on December 11, 2024
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Category: Heating/Cooling
After the radiator goes bad, the reality is that other parts tend to malfunction. Surprisingly, radiator failure occurs more often than many car owners think. The radiator - or the main component of a car's heating and cooling system - works by circulating coolant through the engine and dissipating the heat that is generated during the operation of the vehicle, something that is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. As the coolant runs through the radiator, a thick layer of scale can develop on the walls of the internal passageways, and a blockage can also be caused in the radiator tubes. As a result, the radiator's cooling abilities are decreased. Keep reading to discover four other parts of the heating and cooling system that commonly tend to stop working after the radiator fails.
Water Pump
The water pump is located in the front of the engine and uses an impeller to move the coolant through the entire heating and cooling system. Since the impeller is typically made of plastic, any debris that breaks away from the radiator can cause serious damage.
Thermostat
When the radiator fails to work properly, excessive pressure is put on the thermostat, causing the valve to get stuck either open or closed. A closed valve can cause the engine to quickly overheat, while a valve that is stuck open will result in the engine not reaching operating temperature.
Head Gasket
Head gasket failure usually happens when the engine overheats due to radiator failure. You'll usually see white smoke coming from the exhaust, indicating a problem.
Heater Core
The engine will overheat when the radiator fails, and the connections on the heater core break as a result of excessive temperatures and pressure.
It’s important to maintain your radiator to keep your car running as efficiently as possible and to prevent even more costly repairs. At Custom Complete Automotive, we are proud to provide quality heating repair services at our locally and family-owned auto repair shops. With over 40 years of experience, we are dedicated to keeping every vehicle performing at its best. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
Find an Auto Repair Shop Near You
We have multiple auto repair shops throughout Missouri located in Columbia, Jefferson City, and St. Louis.
Eric Riddles is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician who has been working as an auto mechanic since 1998 and originally joined the team at Custom Complete Automotive in 2005. Eric has numerous certifications in various aspects of car repair and spent 10 years training the next generation of auto technicians at a local high school Auto Shop classroom.