

Coolant leaks when the car is running are common because the fluid is under pressure and is more likely to exit the system to cracks and holes in the pipes. Check the coolant level after a drive to ensure it is not going down too quickly. Inspect the radiator for signs of leaks around the drain plug and connecting hoses. Look for a puddle of coolant under the parked car, or shine a torch light around the hose pipes, coolant connections or tubes.
ENGINE COOLANT LEAK HOW TO
Failure of this seal can cause coolant to enter the combustion chamber and mix with the engine oil, reducing its efficiency.Īlso Checkout How To Deal With Car Engines Overheating How to Stop Coolant Leaksįinding a coolant leak is quite simple. The head gasket seals the engine block from the cylinder head. A faulty heater core can cause a loss of coolant in the engine.

This component heats the car interior through the HVAC system. It is possible for the hoses to develop cracks or holes through which pressurised coolant can leak. These points are notorious for springing leaks when they get loose or damaged. The coolant flows through various connecting hoses around the engine which are secured by clamps. You will notice coolant leaks at the front of the radiator, near the drain plug. RadiatorĪlthough coolant has anti-corrosive properties that inhibit rusting, the thin metal fins do get damaged over time and can develop leaks. Let’s look at reasons for coolant leaks in more detail. Engine components also get permanently damaged with excessive heat by warping. Here Checkout How Does The Cooling System In An Engine Work?Īs a result, the leaking coolant could cause your engine to overheat or contaminate the lubricating oil. If you have been in a front-end collision or take your vehicle off road often, then dirt and debris could possibly puncture the radiator leading to loss of coolant. The engine head gasket seals often wear out and start to leak coolant through tiny gaps, sometimes entering the combustion chamber and oil galleries. The hoses connected to the radiator also have a tendency to develop cracks and leaks, especially at the hose clamps that expand and contract often.

The main problem area is the radiator which is susceptible to rust and corrosion, due to the small metal tubes in its construction. It is mixed with regular water in a 50:50 ratio to keep your engine cool while driving.Ĭoolant leaks in the engine occur for several reasons. If the engine is too cold, it may not be able to sustain combustion, and if it is too hot, the components will get damaged from excess heat.Īntifreeze/coolant’s main components are ethylene glycol, phosphates and silicate (rust inhibitors) and various solvents that maintain the integrity of the fluid at high temperatures. The coolant or antifreeze has been engineered to maintain your engine at the optimum working temperature, just right for the internal combustion process. Catch the problem early and you can save a lot in repair costs, labour expenses and time at the service station.Ĭlick here to Learn How An Engine Cooling System Works + Maintenance Why Coolant Leak? Coolant leaks can be caused by loose hose clamps, corrosion or rust in the radiator, holes in the connecting pipes or damage to the engine gasket seals.
ENGINE COOLANT LEAK SERIES
A series of pipes run the coolant from the engine to a radiator where excess heat is dissipated to the atmosphere. A coolant leak should be identified as soon it occurs, so you should be aware of the warning signs before it's too late.Ĭoolant, also known as antifreeze, is a heat-absorbing fluid that runs under pressure through the engine block to cool it down.
ENGINE COOLANT LEAK PLUS
An overheating engine can cause total engine failure and damage to essential components, plus the repairs can be expensive if not fixed early. The car’s cooling system is vitally important to its smooth running and overall health.
