Has Your Mercedes-Benz Radiator Malfunctioned?

If you have been driving your Mercedes-Benz for several years and everything has worked fine thus far, you may not realize that your car parts and accessories have deteriorated in quality over the years. To ensure that your Mercedes-Benz keeps running at its peak performance, here is how to know if your Mercedes-Benz radiator has malfunctioned and what to do next.

Radiator Leak and Cracks

One of the main tell-tale signs to tell if your radiator is malfunctioning is to look out for coolant leaks. For radiator leakage, you can determine it by checking for fluid underneath your vehicle after driving out of our garage. If there are any fluid remnants, your radiator is most likely leaking. Leaks are often a result of a leaking radiator that can be caused by cracks. Cracks can appear due to a collision, minor bumps, or an erosion of a part of the radiator where the coolant is contained. To check if there are any cracks on the radiator, check the part where steam escapes from your radiator. Pay close attention of its hoses as those are where a crack usually occurs.

Radiator Blockage

If your radiator’s cooling passages are blocked, coolant cannot flow through to your car engine which can lead to a faulty radiator and an overheated engine. This issue is much harder to spot and requires a professional technician to determine the problem. You will also find it hard to repair the blocked passages on your own as the process requires genuine Mercedes-Benz parts.

Radiator Corrosion

Over time, rust may start to form on your radiator. As you continue driving with a rusty radiator, the movement can cause the rust to fall off the inner walls right into the coolant fluid. This causes the coolant to become thicker and darker and eventually your engine will not cool down. If the rust is not excessive, the problem can still be resolved on your own. Drain the dirty coolant and pour in a clean radiator rust flush solution. Start up your engine to let the solution heat up and break down the rust. Next, rinse several times with water until you notice that the radiator finally looks clear. Lastly, fill up new coolant into the radiator.

Overheated Engine

This is the most common sign of a malfunctioning radiator. When coolant does not circulate throughout your car at the right quantity or temperature, your engine will start to overheat. Most Mercedes-Benz models come equipped with a thermostat on the engine which you can check to determine the exact temperature of the coolant. Replace with a new one if you notice that the temperature is too high. If the thermostat is not functioning, the whole radiator may need to be replaced.

Mercedes-Benz Radiator Malfunctioned

It is important for you to look out for these crucial signs of a malfunctioned Mercedes-Benz radiator to seek early help from a professional. Determining the issue from an early stage can help to save you on costly repairs and help maintain your vehicle in an optimal condition.