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How do I Know If My Radiator is Bad?

Did you know that a failure in your vehicle’s cooling system is the primary cause of an engine breakdown? If the engine of your car or light truck is overheating or showing any other signs listed below that a radiator repair will be required, stop in and talk to our professionals at Clausen Automotive. It is highly likely that your car or truck needs repair to its cooling system.

Watch out for these 6 Warning Signs of a Bad Radiator in your Car: 

  • Engine belts and hoses show signs of wear and tear, such as cracking.
  • The dashboard temperature gauge indicates that the vehicle is running hot.
  • The engine smells “hot”.
  • Dark, non-transparent fluid is leaking from the engine area.
  • Steam is coming from under the hood.
  • The ratio of anti-freeze to water is too low (know the manufacturer’s recommended level).

Ask our Radiator Specialist to know the Radiator Repair Checklist for your Vehicle!

Our radiator specialists at Clausen Automotive provide a complete radiator flush and repair service checklist that includes the following:

  • The radiator is tested for pressure and leaks
  • Flush chemicals are added to the radiator
  • Radiator flush machine used to power flush the entire system
  • Radiator refilled with the correct amount of antifreeze
  • Lubricant is added to the radiator system as required
  • Engine components (including radiator cap & hoses) are inspected

Our ASE-certified master technicians will perform a professional multi-point inspection of your engine and can provide you with a complete analysis, together with an estimated cost for a radiator repair or replacement. Call us today for an appointment!

Our Professional Radiator Shop is proudly Serving Quality Radiator Service to all Vehicle Owners in Madison, WI, and other surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when to replace radiator?

You may need to replace your radiator if you notice frequent overheating, coolant leaks, rust or sludge buildup, or a drop in coolant levels. Early replacement prevents engine damage. Read More

How often do car radiators need to be replaced?

Car radiators typically last 8 to 10 years or about 100,000 miles. Regular coolant flushes and inspections help extend their lifespan and prevent overheating problems. Read More

How often should you replace your radiator?

You should replace your radiator every 8 to 10 years, or sooner if you notice leaks, rust, or frequent overheating. Regular maintenance helps catch problems before they lead to engine damage. Read More

How Do You Know If Your Car Radiator is Bad?

Signs of a bad radiator include engine overheating, visible coolant leaks, rust or sludge buildup, and low coolant levels. Addressing these early can help prevent major engine issues. Read More

How Can You Tell If You Have A Bad Radiator?

A bad radiator often shows symptoms like overheating, coolant puddles under the vehicle, or sludge in the reservoir. If your heater isn’t working properly or your temperature gauge spikes, your radiator might be to blame. Read More

About the Author

Steve Clausen, owner of Clausen Automotive in Madison, WI, has over 30 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. As a certified ASE Master Technician, Steve is dedicated to providing honest, reliable, and high-quality auto repair services to the Madison community.

Under his leadership, Clausen Automotive has become a trusted name for everything from engine diagnostics to preventive maintenance. Steve regularly keeps up with the latest advancements in auto technology and contributes insights to leading platforms like ASE and NAPA AutoCare.

His hands-on experience, commitment to transparency, and deep care for local customers are what set Clausen Automotive apart as a go-to auto repair shop in Madison.

Learn more about Steve and the shop →

Get Expert Radiator Repair & Replacement at Clausen Automotive Shop located at 2118 S. Stoughton Rd., Madison, WI, 53716. Call 608-221-8321

How do I Know If My Radiator is Bad?

Did you know that a failure in your vehicle’s cooling system is the primary cause of an engine breakdown? If the engine of your car or light truck is overheating or showing any other signs listed below that a radiator repair will be required, stop in and talk to our professionals at Clausen Automotive. It is highly likely that your car or truck needs repair to its cooling system.

Watch out for these 6 Warning Signs of a Bad Radiator in your Car: 

  • Engine belts and hoses show signs of wear and tear, such as cracking.
  • The dashboard temperature gauge indicates that the vehicle is running hot.
  • The engine smells “hot”.
  • Dark, non-transparent fluid is leaking from the engine area.
  • Steam is coming from under the hood.
  • The ratio of anti-freeze to water is too low (know the manufacturer’s recommended level).

Ask our Radiator Specialist to know the Radiator Repair Checklist for your Vehicle!

Our radiator specialists at Clausen Automotive provide a complete radiator flush and repair service checklist that includes the following:

  • The radiator is tested for pressure and leaks
  • Flush chemicals are added to the radiator
  • Radiator flush machine used to power flush the entire system
  • Radiator refilled with the correct amount of antifreeze
  • Lubricant is added to the radiator system as required
  • Engine components (including radiator cap & hoses) are inspected

Our ASE-certified master technicians will perform a professional multi-point inspection of your engine and can provide you with a complete analysis, together with an estimated cost for a radiator repair or replacement. Call us today for an appointment!

Our Professional Radiator Shop is proudly Serving Quality Radiator Service to all Vehicle Owners in Madison, WI, and other surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when to replace radiator?

You may need to replace your radiator if you notice frequent overheating, coolant leaks, rust or sludge buildup, or a drop in coolant levels. Early replacement prevents engine damage. Read More

How often do car radiators need to be replaced?

Car radiators typically last 8 to 10 years or about 100,000 miles. Regular coolant flushes and inspections help extend their lifespan and prevent overheating problems. Read More

How often should you replace your radiator?

You should replace your radiator every 8 to 10 years, or sooner if you notice leaks, rust, or frequent overheating. Regular maintenance helps catch problems before they lead to engine damage. Read More

How Do You Know If Your Car Radiator is Bad?

Signs of a bad radiator include engine overheating, visible coolant leaks, rust or sludge buildup, and low coolant levels. Addressing these early can help prevent major engine issues. Read More

How Can You Tell If You Have A Bad Radiator?

A bad radiator often shows symptoms like overheating, coolant puddles under the vehicle, or sludge in the reservoir. If your heater isn’t working properly or your temperature gauge spikes, your radiator might be to blame. Read More

About the Author

Steve Clausen, owner of Clausen Automotive in Madison, WI, has over 30 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. As a certified ASE Master Technician, Steve is dedicated to providing honest, reliable, and high-quality auto repair services to the Madison community.

Under his leadership, Clausen Automotive has become a trusted name for everything from engine diagnostics to preventive maintenance. Steve regularly keeps up with the latest advancements in auto technology and contributes insights to leading platforms like ASE and NAPA AutoCare.

His hands-on experience, commitment to transparency, and deep care for local customers are what set Clausen Automotive apart as a go-to auto repair shop in Madison.

Learn more about Steve and the shop →

Steve Clausen
Clausen AutomotiveAuto Repair Shop in Madison, WI

$$$

2118 S. Stoughton Rd., Madison, WI 53716608-221-8321Service@ClausenAutomotive.com
Mon:07:00am - 05:30pm
Tue:07:00am - 05:30pm
Wed:07:00am - 05:30pm
Thu:07:00am - 05:30pm
Fri:07:00am - 05:30pm
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed
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