One of the most common causes of radiator malfunction is a crack in the radiator. If left un-repaired, a cracked radiator can lead to engine damage and cause vehicles to break down. If your commercial radiator is cracked, it will need to be repaired or replaced. These are four signs of a crack in a radiator.

1. The coolant level in your radiator is lower than it should be

Even when there is no visible leak, constantly needing to fill your radiator is a sign that there is crack somewhere. Cracks can be small, and even a slight amount of leaking liquid can cause the engine to overheat and the vehicle to break down. Because of the heat levels inside the hood, leaking coolant could actually be turning into steam, making a crack harder to detect. So, if you find that you are needing to fill your vehicle's radiator with water and coolant more often than instructed in the vehicles' operating manual, that is a sign that the radiator is cracked and needs to be professionally checked.

2. You've noticed a green liquid underneath your vehicle

If you've noticed a green liquid pooling underneath the spot where your commercial vehicle has been parked that is a good indication that coolant has leaked out. However, because the leak could be coming from the hose connecting to the radiator, leaking coolant does not necessarily mean that the radiator itself is cracked. A qualified radiator repair service will be able to determine the exact cause of the leak and locate the crack.

3. Coolant is leaking from the seams of the radiator

You can do a preliminary check of your radiator for cracks before going to a professional. However, safety precautions need to be taken. Never open a radiator while the cap is hot. Always wait until the vehicle has cooled down. Once this is the case, you can check to see if coolant is leaking from the top of the radiator or over the sides. This is a better indication that the radiator itself is cracked, rather than the hose leaking. You may even be able to spot the crack if it is large and visible. If this is the case, you will need to have your radiator professionally repaired.

4. Your vehicle has been involved in a collision or accident

While this is more of a cause rather than a sign of a cracked radiator, if you are unsure whether or not there is a crack in your radiator and you are trying to figure out if there is one or not, this is something to take into consideration. Front head collisions are common causes of a crack in a radiator so if the vehicle has been involved in a bump or a scrape and you also notice other signs listed above then there is a good chance the radiator is cracked.

A cracked radiator can lead to coolant leaking, overheating and eventually the break down of a vehicle. If you notice the signs listed above your radiator may be cracked and will need to be replaced or repaired by a professional. For more information on getting a replacement radiator, contact your local contractors today.