Why Did Coolant In My Car Turn Brown And Foul-Smelling?

Why Did The Coolant In My Car's Cooling System Turn Brown And Foul-Smelling?

Vehicles are multipart systems. One of the main components is certainly the car cooling system. A damaged AC can cause brown liquid to drip down your engine sides. However, there are various other reasons for your car cooling system to behave that way.
In order to resolve the issue, identifying the root cause is fundamental. In this article, we have elaborated on the six major reasons that can lead to such an occurrence in your car. Additionally, we have shared effective tips to solve the concern.

Moreover, we have suggested one of the best auto care shops in Perth for your immediate respite. They offer all necessary services of superior quality. Read along to know more.

6 Reasons For Foul Smell And Brown Car Cooling System

The sources for this issue are diverse, from radiator leakage to clogged engine coolant. This is predominantly because all the elements in a vehicle are interconnected. Hence, dysfunction of one unit can bring about troubles like smelly car cooling with brown discharges. Check out the six conditions that can lead to such issues.

1. Leaking Radiator

Radiators are the chief constituents of cooling systems. Hence, radiator leakage is one of the major reasons. In fact, it indicates that it has been leaking for quite some time now. Brown discharge and smelly cooling system signify that the leakage has escalated and is also affecting other systems.

2. Corrosion and Contamination

The primary reasons that can be considered are rusting in the radiator or contamination of the reservoir liquid. The antifreeze for cars constitutes 50% of the liquid, and the rest is water. If this antifreeze turns brown, some parts of the reservoir will suffer from corrosion or succumb to contamination. Hence, you must immediately seek professional assistance to avoid further deterioration. This also leads to a rusty smell in the car.

3. Clogged Cooling System

Sometimes, the accumulation of debris in the radiator might lead to this issue. The debris accumulates barriers to the cooling system’s function of removing heat from the engine. Other causes include low water levels in the coolant tank due to blockage from dirty hoses and filters. Hence, we suggest periodic cleaning of these components to identify and initially resolve these issues. However, make sure you choose good quality radiator cleaners for desirable results.

4. Overheating

Another major factor is when the car cooling system cannot function efficiently, leading to engine overheating. Some major things that can culminate in overheating are corrosion, debris accumulation, oil contamination, failing heater core, and formation of air bubbles. When the engine rises above the optimum temperature, you notice a brownish coolant and a foul smell.

5. Misfitting Radiator Cap

Ever heard of the phenomenon of ‘boiling over’? It is referred to when your coolant starts boiling due to increased air pressure and becomes brown. Well, the next question arises: why would my car coolant boil? Engines are provided with a radiator cap that prevents the coolant from escaping. However, they are usually ensured to be tight-fitting. An ill-fitted radiator cap will let air particles into the radiator, turning it brown.

6. Pitting And Air Bubble

When the metal reacts with the acid in the coolant, it causes rust and corrosion, leading to brown coolant and foul odour. This is known as pitting. It can also lead to the formation of air bubbles, which comprise the liquid’s ability of the coolant reservoir tank to transfer heat. This overheating can lead to these troubles in your car.

What Is The Solution for Malfunctioning Car Cooling Systems?

The immediate and principal way out is instant radiator flush. Here, technicians will flush out the contaminated antifreeze and water mixture by pouring fresh and clean liquid. This will enable the car cooling to function properly and prevent overheating. Hence, make sure you frequently check the condition of the reservoir liquid.

Another fundamental solution is radiator leak repair. If you have recently become the proud owner of a car and hence are naive to these technicalities, never DIY such things. You are always advised to seek professional help for the best outcomes.

‘Prevention is better than cure’ – we have all heard this proverb since childhood. Remember to opt for professional car repair Perth services for a thorough checkup of your car. These expert professionals can detect any potential problem at an early stage. This will enable you to deal with it more effectively.

Why Is Auto Repair Perth Your One-stop Destination For Car Repair?

Cars are an asset for some and a dream for others. Hence, selecting an efficient auto repair Perth workshop for your car is imperative. We do not want to visit different shops for different issues. Hence, most of us search for stores offering wholesome services, from radiator repair to various other services.

In this context, Auto Repair Perth is one of the best Western Australia can offer you. We offer free car inspection along with a plethora of other essential services. Additionally, we enjoy surged demand and a good reputation as we offer superior products and top-notch services within competitive price ranges.

We are more tech-savvy and, hence, can handle complicated situations efficiently. The employees are well-trained and experienced. Hence, your vehicle is in good hands. The major services included for radiator coolant are radiator cap pressure test, radiator cap pressure test and leak inspection. Lastly, you can visit our store at your convenience as we are open on all days from 8 AM to 9 PM.

Conclusion

Frequent inspection of your car’s radiator is paramount. For everyday checking, you trust your experience and knowledge. However, you must choose a professional auto shop Perth for monthly or periodic examination of your car. This will help you to identify potential threats and deal with them before you hit the road.

Also Read: How to Stop an Oil Leak in Your Car?

FAQs

1. What is Coolant Browning?
When the liquid in your coolant reservoir becomes brown with a rusty smell, it is known as coolant browning. This happens mainly due to the rusting of the tank walls, which then mixes with the antifreeze and water solution.

2. Why does my coolant become brown and stinky?
There are three major reasons – leaking radiator, corrosion and contamination, and engine overheating. However, multiple reasons, like air bubble formation, clogged coolant system, etc., lead to the occurrence of the previous three, which then escalates to coolant browning.

3. How to deal with it?
You must repair the radiator leakage or conduct a radiator flush. As a preventive measure, opt for monthly professional inspections to reduce the tendency of coolant browning with a foul odour.

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