If you’ve ever seen steam rising from under a vehicle’s hood on the side of the road, there’s a good chance the radiator was involved. Your radiator is one of the most important components in your vehicle’s cooling system. Its job is simple but critical: it keeps your engine from overheating.
At Harlan Automotive, we often explain the radiator as the part that protects your engine from damaging itself due to excessive heat. Your engine creates an incredible amount of heat every time you drive. Controlled explosions are happening thousands of times per minute, and without a way to regulate that heat, internal components would quickly fail.
The radiator works by circulating coolant, also known as antifreeze, through the engine. As the coolant moves through, it absorbs excess heat and carries it away from critical components. That heated coolant then travels to the radiator, where it passes through thin metal tubes and cooling fins. As air flows across those fins—either while you’re driving or with the help of a cooling fan—the heat is released into the outside air. Think of it kind of like your home’s HVAC system. The furnace generates heat, but the ventilation system regulates and distributes it so your house doesn’t overheat. The radiator does the same thing for your vehicle.
If the radiator isn’t working properly, engine temperatures can rise quickly. When that happens, serious and expensive damage can follow. Overheating can lead to blown head gaskets, warped cylinder heads, cracked engine blocks, and in worst-case scenarios, complete engine failure. What starts as a cooling issue can rapidly become a major repair if ignored.
Here in Western Kentucky, especially during our hot summers, your cooling system works even harder. High outside temperatures increase the strain on your radiator, coolant, hoses, and fans. That’s why preventative maintenance is so important.
There are several warning signs that may indicate a radiator problem. If your temperature gauge is running hotter than normal, if you notice coolant leaking under your vehicle—often green, orange, or pink fluid—or if you smell something sweet coming from under the hood, those are common indicators. Steam coming from the engine bay or repeatedly low coolant levels are also signs that something needs attention. These symptoms should never be ignored, because waiting can turn a manageable repair into a costly breakdown.
The good news is that many radiator issues can be prevented with proper maintenance. Following manufacturer-recommended coolant service intervals, checking coolant levels periodically, inspecting hoses and clamps for wear, and addressing small leaks early can all extend the life of your cooling system. Proactive care helps protect your engine and saves money in the long run.
At Harlan Automotive, our mission is simple: Taking Care of People and the Cars They Drive. That means helping you stay ahead of problems before they leave you stranded on the side of the road.
Your radiator may not be something you think about every day, but your engine depends on it every time you start your vehicle 🚗.