Carfax Widget
Nov 15, 2023

The radiator in your vehicle is responsible for siphoning excess heat from your engine, which can prevent issues like overheating or warped engine parts. When your radiator is busted, your vehicle’s cooling system will not work effectively, and this will impact the overall performance of your vehicle. When you need radiator repair, the best place to go is your Honda dealer. 

A radiator being worked on near Orangeburg, South Carolina.

1. Temperature Gauge Fluctuations

The temperature gauge on the instrument panel keeps you updated on the level of heat beneath your hood. When the temperature gauge frequently rises and drops, this is often a sign that your radiator is having trouble regulating the temperature of your engine. Drastic rises in engine temperature mean the radiator is failing to pull heat away from your engine. Any time your vehicle overheats, the best thing to do is pull over until the engine cools down. 



2. Low Coolant Level

Low levels of coolant in your engine are a common sign of a leak. Sometimes, you might not notice a visible leak. Instead, if you find yourself constantly having to add coolant to your engine, this probably means you have a leak. Driving with a low coolant level will inevitably cause your vehicle to overheat. If you have to add coolant to your car when it overheats, you should wait at least 15 to 20 minutes before popping the hood to ensure everything is safe enough to touch. 



3. Leaking Coolant

You may notice visible puddles of fluid beneath your car. Coolant can have different colors depending on the brand, but the most common colors are pink, green, and orange. Visible fluid leaks usually indicate major damage to your radiator. If you notice a large leak, you might be better off calling for a tow rather than driving your car to the dealership service center yourself. 



4. Smoke or Rust

There are two other visual cues of radiator damage. Smoke from beneath your hood may be the result of leaking fluid burning on the hot parts of your engine, so you might notice this when your vehicle is overheating. If you look beneath your hood and notice rust on your radiator, this is also a cause for concern. 



Can Your Honda Dealer Replace Your Radiator?

If the radiator in your Honda is beyond repair, then your mechanic may recommend replacing the radiator. When the radiator is replaced in your vehicle, a genuine Honda radiator is used for the replacement service. If your dealership has your recommended radiator in stock, your repair can usually be completed on the same day. Otherwise, your Honda may have to stay at the dealership until the radiator is replaced, which should only take a few days. 


A busted radiator typically means your vehicle will have issues with overheating. To protect your engine, it’s best to repair a broken radiator as quickly as possible. Schedule a radiator service appointment at Superior Honda today.