For some car owners, maintenance comes once a month, and it is not something that they look forward to every month. On the other hand, there are car enthusiasts who understand the importance of car maintenance and are always eager to get their four-wheeler through a reputed car mechanic each month. Irrespective of whichever team you are from, there are many parts in your vehicle that you should look at once in a while for the better well-being of you and your adored vehicle.
One of them is the radiator. Radiator plays a vital role in your car’s cooling system, maintaining optimal engine temperature by dissipating heat. Over time, coolant leaks from the radiator may lead to engine overheating and massive damage. This is why car inspection in Adelaide is suggested every other month.
What Do You Need to Know About Coolant Leaks?
A coolant leak is a common issue that might happen in the cooling system of the vehicle’s engine. This system maintains and regulates the engine’s optimum temperature, ensuring its efficient operation. It comprises various key components, including a water pump, radiators, hoses, and thermostat.
When there is a coolant leak, it may lead to loss of coolant fluid. Due to this, the engine’s cooling process takes a hit, which might result in overheating of the engine and potentially causing massive damage if it is not properly addressed. Therefore, it is crucial to periodically check out for any signs of leaks and take immediate action to fix them to prevent any more complications. It is always better to see a car engine repair for a better diagnosis.
Potential Causes of Coolant Leak
Once again, book a mobile mechanic in Adelaide if you need a proper diagnosis. While there can be many reasons behind an engine coolant leak, here are some of the common ones:
- They have worn-out hoses. Over time, the coolant being transported through this can lead to leaks.
- The head gasket seals up the cylinder head and engine block, and if it fails, coolant may leak into the combustion chamber or escape into the engine oil.
- Cracks and damages in the engine block may cause leaks from these parts.
- Having a corroded radiator is a massive NO! It is a vital component of the engine cooling system, and damage and corrosion to this part may cause coolant leaks.
- The water pump circulates coolant within the engine; if it becomes loose, the coolant can leak.
5 Critical Radiator Problems
Now that you are aware of some common reasons behind coolant leaks, let us take a look at some of the Common Coolant Leak Issues:
1. Damaged Radiator Hoses
The radiator hoses are vital parts of the cooling system and are responsible for transporting the coolant between the engine and the radiator. These hoses are generally made out of rubber. Now, rubber is durable, yet it can degrade over time due to contaminants, exposure to heat, and pressure.
Worn-out radiators are the biggest reason behind Coolant Leaks. Visible cracks, softness to the touch, and swelling are common symptoms of a damaged radiator hose. You might even notice coolant puddles under the car or decreased coolant levels. To prevent any hose damage, regular maintenance and inspection are crucial.
Consider checking the hoses for any signs of tear and wear and replace them if any damage is detected. It is also vital to ensure the hoses are correctly secured with clamps to prevent leaks at the connection points.
2. Bad Radiator Cap
The radiator cap is generally small but a crucial part of the cooling system. It maintains the right pressure within the system, enabling the coolant to circulate properly and not allow it to boil over. A faulty cap might lead to coolant leaks by failing to maintain the needed pressure or by enabling coolant to escape through the overflow valve. Now, there are many reasons why radiator cap failures happen.
The signs of Radiator Coolant Leak due to the cap is a collapsed radiator hose and engine overheating. You may perform a pressure test using a radiator cap tester to diagnose a faulty cap.
3. Damage From Debris
Radiators are situated in the front of a car, making them vulnerable to damage from road debris such as gravel, stones, and other parts. Physical damage to the radiator may create dents or punctures, resulting in coolant leaks. This sort of damage is often unexpected and can happen suddenly while driving. This is why the experts suggest regular maintenance for Radiator Leak Problems.
4. Bad Maintenance
Poor maintenance practices can also lead to coolant leaks from the radiator. During installation, incorrect mounting, loose connections, or inadequate sealing may result in leaks. Additionally, neglecting regular maintenance tasks can also contribute to radiator problems. It is always suggested that you seek expert help for radiator problems.
5. Overheating
When the engine overheats, it might cause the coolant to boil and overflow from the reservoir. Excessive heat may stress cooling system parts, leading to failures and leaks.
How Can the Coolant Leaks Be Fixed?
You now know the critical problems of coolant leaks and the causes behind them. Let us now take a look at how the car radiator leak can be fixed:
- Tighten up the Hose Connections
Secure connections are essential! Sometimes, a loose hose clamp or connection may cause a leak, which might be fixed by tightening.
- Replace the Damaged Parts
When it comes to engine coolant leaks, you must immediately take the initiative to replace any damaged or cracked hoses. If a water pump or a new radiator is the source of the leak, they need to be replaced.
- Sealant for Little Leaks
There are some scenarios where a commercial sealant may provide a little fix for not-so-big leaks. It is always recommended that you seek professional help for any car coolant leak.
- Professional Repairs
A blown head gasket is a serious concern requiring a Radiator Specialist. Leaks in the hard-to-reach areas, like the heater core, need to be addressed by experienced mechanics.
Signs to look out for
Prevention is possible when you are cautious of the signs. This is especially true for car coolant leaks. Here, we have discussed some of the notable signs:
| Low coolant levels |
A sudden or continuous drop in coolant levels can point out a coolant leak. |
| Discoloured coolant |
If the coolant appears discoloured, cloudy, or rusty, it may follow up with a coolant leak or other engine problem. |
| A sweet or pungent smell |
Coolant has a sweet or sour smell; if this odour is inside or outside the car, it may hint at a coolant leak. |
| Engine overheating |
If the engine temperature gauge reads higher than general or the car’s warning light illuminates, it can indicate that the engine is overheating because of a coolant leak. |
| White smoke from the exhaust |
If the vehicle emits white smoke, it may hint that coolant leaks into the combustion chamber. |
Also read: HOW TO CHANGE VEHICLE COOLANT IN YOUR CAR?
Wrapping Up
Since you have read this far, you know the top five critical issues of radiator coolant leaks. We have also gone through the reasons behind these leaks and how you can resolve them. If you are looking for the perfect diagnosis for your problem, consider seeking expert assistance.
