Shock absorbers and suspension struts are often referred to interchangeably because they perform the same function, however, they differ in the design of the suspension system.

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A vehicle’s throttle body is responsible for managing the amount of air flowing into the internal combustion engine.

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Diesel engines are known for creating a lot of smoke that sends toxic carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

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The radiator’s function is to prevent the vehicle’s engine from overheating.

When an engine is running, it generates a lot of heat. There is a liquid called “coolant” in the engine that engages the heat and absorbs it. The coolant now being hot, the fluid must cool down again by passing through the radiator. Once cooled, the coolant leaves the radiator and returns to the engine. The process will then start again.

### The 4 Main Symptoms of a Bad Radiator

The cooling system of virtually any vehicle depends heavily on the radiator to function properly. If the radiator remains functional, the engine will stay cool and not overheat. But if there is a problem with the radiator and it starts to malfunction or perform poorly, you will experience many easily recognizable symptoms. Below are the 4 main symptoms you can expect with a bad radiator.

1. **Engine Overheating** – The most obvious symptom of a bad radiator will be an overheated engine. Since its job is to keep the engine cool by circulating coolant, a bad radiator won’t do that. You will then start to see your engine temperature become very hot via the indicator on your dashboard. If the issue is not resolved immediately, the engine will eventually fail, meaning your vehicle will no longer be able to move. If you wait for your engine to fail, you are looking at an even higher replacement cost than just replacing the radiator.

2. **Coolant Leak** – The problem with your radiator could be that it has a leak. This means that the coolant passing through it will leak underneath and reach the vehicle’s floor. This can happen at any time, whether the vehicle is parked or moving. When you take your vehicle to the mechanic to have this checked, they will first perform a pressure test to ensure that it is indeed the radiator leaking coolant. If they determine it is the radiator, you will need to replace it.

3. **Low Coolant Level Warning Light** – Following the previous symptom listed here, you should notice the low coolant level warning light illuminating on your dashboard. To keep your engine cool in the meantime, you can continue to add more coolant to it until you are ready to go to the mechanic and have the radiator replaced. Be sure not to add coolant for too long, as this will still put a lot of stress on the engine because there won’t be a sufficient amount of coolant due to the leak.

4. **Sludge Buildup** – The normal color of coolant is green or yellow. But when you have a bad radiator, the color of the coolant will change because it will be contaminated. Once the color changes due to contamination, there will be sludge building up in the radiator. This happens because the coolant remains in the radiator instead of being recycled into the engine. If you look at your radiator and see sludge, you must replace the radiator as soon as possible, otherwise your transmission or engine could be permanently damaged.

A vehicle requires proper fuel delivery to its engine to function correctly.

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Engine oil is an important component of your engine. It lubricates the moving parts of the car. As soon as you notice low oil pressure, immediately stop your car and have it checked.

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The intake manifold is an essential component of your car’s engine. Its proper functioning is crucial to ensure optimal combustion and high performance.

The key element that ensures its sealing is the intake manifold gasket. It prevents air from mixing with the coolant. A faulty gasket can cause leaks, overheating, and a decrease in engine performance.

In this article, we will examine the symptoms of a failing gasket, its effects on the engine, and repair solutions.

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⚡ Symptoms of a Failing Intake Manifold Gasket

🔥 1. Engine Overheating

One of the first signs of a failing intake manifold gasket is engine overheating. When it deteriorates, it allows coolant to escape and mix with hot air. This leads to rapid evaporation of the coolant and a rise in engine temperature.

✅ Solution: Monitor the temperature gauge on the dashboard and add coolant if necessary. Quickly visit a mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.

⛽ 2. Loss of Power and Increased Fuel Consumption

A damaged gasket disrupts the air/fuel ratio, making combustion inefficient. The engine then has to compensate by burning more fuel, resulting in decreased performance and increased consumption.

✅ Solution: If you notice irregular acceleration or increased fuel consumption, have your intake manifold inspected.

🔆 3. Coolant Leak

Another common indication is the presence of coolant around the intake manifold or under the car. A cracked gasket allows the coolant to escape, exposing other engine components to excessive heat.

✅ Solution: If you observe puddles under your vehicle, inspect the hoses and the intake manifold.

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⚒ Testing and Repairing the Intake Manifold Gasket

🔍 1. Leak Inspection

• Visual Check: Examine the engine and the ground under the car to spot any coolant leaks.
• Temperature Check: Monitor the engine temperature gauge.
• Level Check: Open the radiator and check if the coolant is abnormally low.

🌐 2. Gasket Replacement

Replacing the intake manifold gasket is a complex task that requires disassembling several engine components. It is highly recommended to entrust this repair to a qualified mechanic.

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🎡 Conclusion

A faulty intake manifold gasket can seriously harm your vehicle’s performance. At the first signs (overheating, loss of power, coolant leaks), it is crucial to act quickly. Regular maintenance of your engine will extend your car’s lifespan and avoid costly repairs.

🛠 Remember to have your engine and cooling system checked regularly to anticipate potential problems.

Most cars require three sets of fluids to operate – air/fuel mixture, engine oil, and coolant.

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A closer inspection of the underside of your car will reveal a series of tubes running from the engine to the rear of the car.

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If you have ever driven or owned a turbocharged engine car, you probably know what the “boost pressure sensor” is.

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