Leaking Radiators: How To Fix Them Effectively?

Published On: 2019-04-03 | Car Buying Tips

You cannot deny the fact that a leaking radiator from a vehicle could suddenly leave you helpless, forcing your vehicle to stay stranded on the side of the road.

Most of you would have heard and searched for clogged radiator symptoms, but believe it or not, a leaking radiator is equally detrimental for your vehicle.

Here, let us view the effects of a leaking radiator, the causes, and how to fix it effectively:

Damages Caused By A Leaking Radiator:

The radiator is one of the parts of your vehicle that performs rigorous actions. It contains the antifreeze that circulates throughout the engine and allows it to operate at high revolutions for long periods without damage.

However, if the radiator faces a leakage, your vehicle would face overheating and it directly impacts the engine. This could result in the cylinder-head gasket becoming damaged and causing an internal engine leak. In extreme cases , the cylinder head or block could become cracked. This damage is severe and may require complete engine replacement with costs going as high as several thousand dollars to repair.

Causes Of Leaking Radiator:

Some of the major causes of a leaking radiator are as follows:

  • Corrosion in the Radiator
  • Weak Coolant Which Causes Radiator Corrosion and Leaks
  • Poor Routine Maintenance and Service Practices
  • Defective Thermostat
  • Previous Front-End Collision Which Damaged the Radiator

How To Fix A Leaking Radiator:

You would find that the symptoms of a leaking radiator are almost similar to the signs of clogged radiators. And to fix these, here are some essentials which you could take care of:

  • In case it’s a trouble with the coolant, you need to check the quality of the coolant and whether or not it is circulated properly. You can use some high-quality radiator conditioner which helps in stopping the ongoing leakages.
  • Besides, radiator leaks are also caused due to corrosion and most often, you may not be able to check this on your own. And for this, you need to get the assistance of a good vehicle mechanic.
  • Check the operation of the thermostat and the heater core of your vehicle and ensure that they are in good condition.
  • Check the amount of coolant in the radiator and ensure that it is present in an adequate amount. The ratio of coolant to water in most climates should be around 50/50 for the best overall protection against overheating and corrosion. Do not overfill the radiator as this may lead to leakages.

If you are facing radiator leakages, it’s essential to identify its early signs and take remedial measures soon.

You can contact a good mobile mechanic or garage in a timely manner to help you with radiator troubles and make sure your pricey vehicles do not experience any considerable damages caused by an overheated engine.