Coolant plays a crucial role in keeping your engine running well. So, act swiftly if you spot coolant leaking from the engine bay. If there is too little coolant in the car’s system, the engine could either freeze in winter or overheat in summer. Learn more about how to address coolant leaks.1
How To Spot Coolant Leaks
The easiest way to detect a coolant leak is to spot it on a garage floor. Make sure that it is coolant you are seeing by looking out for its striking bright green, orange or pink colour. Clean up any spills immediately as coolant is highly toxic to humans and pets. 1
Another Clue Regarding Leaking Coolant
Having less coolant in the car’s system means its cooling efficiency has dropped. This would increase the engine temperature, which, in turn, would show on the temperature gauge. So pay attention to any warning lights on you dashboard and query what they mean with the manufacturer if you are unsure. 1
Check The Coolant Level In The Engine Bay
The most direct way of discovering whether there is a coolant leak is to check the coolant level in the expansion tank situated in the engine bay. If the coolant level is low, add extra coolant and monitor the level a little while later. If it has markedly dropped over a short time, it could mean that there is a leak. 1
Once you know that there is a coolant leak, you need to find it. Below are some reasons why coolant leaks occur.
The Radiator Has A Hole
Corrosion inside the radiator can cause coolant to leak. Ageing tubes and hoses connected to the radiator and a perishing sealing gasket between the expansion tank and the radiator can all cause leaks. Over the years, the engine heat makes the rubber hoses brittle, which affects their sealing efficiency. You must check where they connect to the heater core, water pump and radiator. 1
It Could Be A Leaky Radiator Cap
The radiator cap has the job of sealing tightly so that pressure can build up in the radiator. This in turn maintains the cooling system at the correct pressure. Unfortunately, the cap’s seal could wear out over time, resulting in a coolant leak. 1
The Water Pump Is Not Working
The water pump circulates coolant in the system, and is connected to the radiator’s lower hose, which can perish or become loose with time. Whatever the problem, an ineffective water pump can cause the engine to overheat. 1
Could It Be A Blown Head Gasket?
The function of a head gasket is to regulate an extensive range of temperatures and pressures in an engine. A gasket has ‘blown’ when it develops a leak. That means the engine oil and coolant are no longer separate but start to mix, resulting in engine failure. 1
How’s The Car’s Expansion Tank Doing?
The expansion tank looks like a plastic bottle strapped on the side of the engine bay. It connects to the radiator via a rubber hose, allowing coolant to flow. Unfortunately, the tank becomes brittle with time, causing coolant to leak from cracks or the cap. 1
How To Prevent Coolant Leaks
Why wait till a coolant leak is causing significant problems? Preventative action through regular checks is the answer. To avoid leaks, change the coolant regularly in your radiator, because ageing coolant can turn acidic and lose its effectiveness and start corroding the aluminium in the radiator. 1
Disclaimer
This article’s aim is to show you what to do when your car is leaking coolant. 1
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Source:
1https://blog.rainbowmuffler.net/blog/5-common-causes-of-coolant-leaks-and-their-symptoms
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
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