Symptoms of a Bad Radiator Cap
If your engine is overheating or you’re noticing coolant leaking from your vehicle, it could be a sign that you have a bad radiator cap. We’re here to make sure you feel confident in your cooling system and radiator as you drive around Maple Shade, Moorestown, and Cherry Hill, NJ.
So, let our Elite Acura team break down the symptoms of a bad radiator cap and help you learn a little more about your car’s essential cooling system.
What Does a Radiator Cap Do?
The radiator cap is a vital part of the cooling system since its job is to maintain pressure in the radiator. It’ll do this by releasing coolant or drawing it back in from the reservoir tank.
The coolant expands as it heats up, increasing the overall pressure inside the cooling system. When the pressure gets too high, the cap will allow coolant to flow into the reservoir tank. Once the coolant cools back down and the pressure drops, the cap will allow the coolant that was released into the reservoir to return back into the radiator.
What Happens When a Radiator Cap Goes Bad?
When the radiator cap is bad, your car is likely to overheat, which can cause more serious issues down the line. Essentially, the radiator cap would no longer be able to correctly maintain the internal pressure of the system.
Drastically increased pressure could cause certain parts of the cooling system to break. Too little pressure will cause the coolant to boil off, leaving nothing inside the system to cool your vehicle.
In general, certain signs will help you to know that you’ve got a problem with your radiator cap. From a collapsed hose to an overflowing reservoir, we’ll show you what to look out for.
Signs to Look Out For
One simple clue to that there’s an issue with your radiator cap is leaking coolant. If you find it pooling under your car, it could be a sign that a part of the cooling system has burst due to too much pressure. You could also check under the hood to see if there are any leaks near the cap.
If you don’t see coolant actively leaking near the cap or radiator, keep an eye out for white streaks around them. These are sometimes left behind by dried coolant.
While you’re under the hood, you should also look at the reservoir. If that cap has gone bad, it could be filling the reservoir too fast, causing it to overflow.
You could also check out the radiator hose. Various problems with the radiator cap could cause the hose to collapse or burst. If your engine is starting to overheat and let off steam, it’s a solid indication the cooling system is malfunctioning.
Get Your Radiator Cap Replaced!
Replacing your radiator cap is a simple fix, and something that can save you from much more intense repairs down the line. Keeping your cooling system in top condition will make your Maple Shade, Moorestown, or Cherry Hill, New Jersey, drives that much smoother.
If you have more questions about the symptoms of a bad radiator cap, or want to make a service appointment, reach out to our Elite Acura service center today!