Signs You Need a New Radiator and How to Replace It
Your radiator plays a vital role in keeping your engine cool. If it begins to fail, your car can overheat—leading to expensive damage. Whether you drive an Acura or another model, here’s how to spot radiator trouble and replace it yourself.
🚨 Signs You Need a New Radiator
- Overheating Engine: If your temperature gauge spikes frequently, your radiator may not be doing its job.
- Coolant Leaks: Pools of coolant under your vehicle or low fluid levels can indicate a cracked radiator.
- Rust or Discoloration: Corrosion can block internal flow or weaken the radiator’s integrity.
- Sludge in the Radiator: Contaminated coolant often appears brown and indicates a breakdown in materials.
- Steam from the Hood: Obvious but urgent—this means your cooling system is failing fast.
🔧 How to Replace a Radiator (Step-by-Step)
- Allow the engine to cool completely.
- Drain the coolant by opening the radiator drain plug into a safe container.
- Remove the radiator hoses, fan shroud, and transmission cooler lines (if applicable).
- Unbolt the old radiator and lift it out carefully.
- Install the new radiator by reversing the removal steps.
- Refill with fresh coolant, check for leaks, and bleed air from the system.
✅ Shop OEM Radiators for Your Acura
At TLM Auto Parts, we carry OEM and high-quality used radiators for Acura TL, TSX, and RL models. Get the right fit with confidence and extend the life of your engine.