Recently the temperature gauge went up almost to he red zone and then come back down. This happened like every 10 mins. I opened the engine cover and see this. Is the radiator bad already? Is it still safe to drive it to the shop? Thanks!!

 

Looks like there's some sort of crack on the radiator. You can probably drive it just fine.. Just make sure you have some coolant in it and that your shop isn't too far away.

 

That appear to be a long term leak that has dried . You are most likely low on antifreeze. Did you get the engine service recently? Take the top cover off and the cover that will show the fill tube connected to the coolant refill tank at the top of the radiator. It may have broken off from the radiator which is a common problem so no antifreeze will transfer from the overflow/ refill tank to the radiator.

You probably need a new radiator. I have a 2008 and it was replaced this year.

 

Hello! I have a 2007 LS with 100k miles and I actually had that exact same issue. I noticed it shortly after I purchased it, and kept an eye on it, I cleaned it all up right when I noticed and checked again about 7 months later and there was more there, and the coolant level was in fact low. It appears to be a microscopic crack between the plastic and aluminum housing that allows coolant to escape under pressure. To solve the issue I just had the radiator replaced and both of the coolant hoses just so I dont have to think about it again. If you have a shop do it, it'll cost anywhere from 400-700 dollars. Its really not a hard DIY project.

 

EXTREMELY easy DIY. I got my rad with a lifetime warranty for 50 bucks or so on Ebay. With Coolant, some hoses (since I was already removing them anyway), and good replacement clamps, I was under 150 bucks all in. Took me about an hour.It's been about 3 years and 60k miles....no issues.