Question: What happens if your radiator gets wet?
Answer: Like the rest of your car’s engine, your radiator will get wet from time to time. But flooding or exposure to excessive moisture, especially when combined with other contaminants or road salts, can reduce efficiency and damage your engine.
Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause:
1. Corrosion and rust
Your car’s radiator is part of a closed system, which is why you should rarely have to top it off with coolant. However, if water damage has led to corrosion and rust, your radiator could develop small cracks or even holes, the primary causes of radiator leaks.
Your radiator is prone to corrosion and rust regardless of the conditions you live in; that’s why it requires some maintenance. But if you live in a tropical climate or one where wet roads are treated with salts to keep them from freezing, pay extra attention to your radiator to ensure it doesn’t develop leaks or holes.
2. Coolant contamination
Cracks and holes in your radiator can lead to leaks, but they can also let water into your radiator, which can cause problems as well. If water from outside the system gets into your radiator and throws off the 50/50 coolant-to-water ratio, your vehicle’s cooling system will not work as effectively as it should.
Even without too much water in their coolant, those living in a hot climate are at a higher risk of their car overheating. But those in cold climates might see their radiator freeze and rupture if the water-to-coolant ratio is too high.
Without proper attention and repairs, these issues can lead to cooling-system failure.
3. Overheating
One of the most immediate consequences of a compromised radiator is engine overheating. Your radiator’s primary function is to dissipate heat from the coolant, which circulates through the engine block to keep it running at an optimal temperature.
When your radiator suffers from corrosion, rust or leaks, it can no longer efficiently cool the engine, which can cause it to run hotter than it should and overheat.
Overheating is a serious problem that can lead to a cascade of other issues, such as:
- Warped cylinder heads
- Damaged pistons
- Blown head gasket
- Engine detonation
- Warped seals and gaskets
- Cracked engine block
- Damaged exhaust valves
- Burst hoses
If your engine overheats, the damage can be catastrophic and might require an engine rebuild or replacement. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your engine’s temperature gauge and address radiator issues promptly to avoid overheating.
How to maintain your radiator
Given the potential for serious damage, taking proactive steps to maintain your radiator is key. Regular maintenance will ensure your radiator remains clean, dry and in good condition. This includes routine inspections of the radiator and cooling system, checking for signs of corrosion, rust or leaks.
If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall, flooding or where roads are treated with salt, you should be particularly vigilant. Consider using a radiator flush to remove buildup of contaminants that could accelerate corrosion. Additionally, ensure that coolant is topped off with the correct mixture to prevent freezing or overheating.
If you notice signs of radiator trouble, such as coolant leaks overheating, address the issues immediately. Ignoring warning signs can lead to significant problems, potentially resulting in costly repairs or even engine failure.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Phil Metzger is a personal finance editor and writer with more than 30 years of experience editing and writing content across a variety of industries. In writing and editing for Jerry, Phil’s mission is to help car owners better understand their vehicles and the costs associated with car ownership. Before joining Jerry, Phil worked as a writer and editor for newspapers, magazines, television radio and online news. His work has appeared in many major publications and websites over the years, including a series he edited that was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize.
