Radiator Repairs
Your radiator protects your car’s engine when things get heated. Because your engine burns fuel to generate energy it gets very hot while running. Your radiator prevents overheating, which causes engine damage. If you’ve seen warning signs that this crucial part of your car’s cooling system is malfunctioning, it’s time to take action and book in some radiator repairs.
While some radiator problems come on slowly, others – like a radiator leaking or bursting – can strike suddenly and leave you stranded by the side of the road. In that kind of situation, a mobile mechanic can meet you at your location and save you the cost of towing your vehicle.
NC Autos provides mobile radiator repairs throughout Moreton Bay and North Brisbane, from Caboolture to Chermside. We have over 15 years combined experience and no matter what kind of car you drive, we can promptly repair or replace your radiator without you breaking the bank. We stand behind our car repairs with a comprehensive 20,000km – 12 month workmanship guarantee to ensure your peace of mind.
Here’s how you can spot signs of radiator trouble, and what you can do when you see them.
What does your car’s radiator do?
Your radiator is located under the hood of your car in front of the engine, close to the coolant reservoir. Its job is to eliminate heat from the engine. When the thermostat in front of the engine detects excess heat, the radiator releases coolant and water to absorb it. Hot coolant travels into the radiator’s inlet through a network of tubes surrounded by fins that increase the surface area for heat dissipation. This cools the coolant, sometimes with a fan’s assistance, before it returns to the engine and the cycle repeats itself.
A radiator is made up of several components that facilitate this process. The core includes the metal cooling fans that help to cool the air, the pressure cap seals the cooling system to prevent it from boiling, and the hoses move coolant to and from the engine.
Without a radiator, overheating would cause your engine to seize up and potentially cause irreparable engine damage that requires a full engine replacement (or a new car, whichever is more affordable). This is why radiator repairs is one of those types of car repairs you simply can’t afford to neglect.
Signs of radiator trouble
Some radiator problems happen quickly, others build up with one or more warning signs. Here are some of the most common signals that you’re due to get your radiator checked:
Engine overheating
One of the most urgent signs of radiator trouble is your temperature gauge rising into the red or a warning light coming on.
Steam and unusual smells
If the hood of your car starts emitting steam and / or strange odours, it’s often a sign of overheating or a coolant leak.
Heavy vibration
Loose or warm radiator mounts can cause excessive vibration when driving. These vibrations can shake the radiator around, potentially causing further damage.
Strange noises
Noises such as rattling and clunking from the front of your vehicle can indicate faulty internal components or a radiator that’s no longer properly secured in place.
Visible changes in the radiator
Unusual changes like rust, discolouration, sludge in the radiator or damage such as cracks or bent fins are signs of a radiator that’s faulty or failing.
Poor vehicle handling
Issues like poor handling or your vehicle pulling to one side can signal many issues, and a radiator problem is one of the most overlooked. Poor handling can indicate an imbalance with the cooling system, which is often a symptom of radiator problems.
Common radiator repairs
Radiator repairs you’re most likely to need include:
Radiator leak repair
Radiator leaks can be caused by corrosion, impact or damaged hoses. While a radiator sealant can often stop small leaks, you may also need soldering for cracks in metal components or need the cracked hoses and tanks replaced.
Radiator hose replacement
Coolant leaks, bulging hoses or an overheating engine are signs of a radiator hose that needs replacing. Luckily this procedure is fairly straightforward and affordable.
Radiator flushing
Flushing a radiator removes old coolant and replaces it with new, fresher coolant to keep your car running smoother and more efficiently. A flush rids your radiator of fluid that’s built up rust and debris and lubricates the water pump, helping it last longer.
Radiator replacement
Internal corrosion, leaks that can’t be repaired and internal components that are bent out of shape are all signs that it’s time for a new radiator. Replacing the radiator involves draining the coolant and removing the faulty radiator before installing a new one. While it’s a process you can carry out yourself with the right technical knowledge, a mobile mechanic will provide you with a new radiator quickly when you’re stuck.
Repair your radiator
with NC Autos
For efficient radiator repairs from Moreton Bay’s mobile mechanic, contact NC Autos on 07 5208 8962 or make an online booking with us.
At NC Autos, we specialise in reliable and affordable radiator repairs for drivers across Brisbane’s northern suburbs, including Caboolture, Chermside, and Warner. Whether you’re dealing with a small leak, overheating issues, or a full radiator replacement, our experienced team provides fast diagnostics and high-quality repairs to keep your vehicle running cool and efficiently. We understand the importance of a properly functioning cooling system in Queensland’s climate, and we’re committed to delivering top-notch service and workmanship that local motorists can trust.