The 4 Steps to Confirm the Location of a Radiator Leak
With so many components to look at in a car, locating the source of a problem can literally be like searching for a needle in a haystack. That said, leaks are some of the trickiest issues to confirm in a car. If you’ve ever launched a search that lasted hours upon hours looking for the source of that puddle in your driveway, then you know how difficult it can be.
Granted, not knowing what to look for and how to go about your search for a leak can lead to a lot of wasted effort. And so without further ado, here are the four steps to take in order for you to confirm that a hard-to-find leak is in your radiator and not anywhere else.
Step 1 Make sure it’s coolant that’s leaking
Coolant, otherwise known as anti-freeze, comes in many different colors (blue, green, pink, red, etc.), other fluids in your car can have the same color, and so color is not a good physical property to identify the type of fluid. Your best recourse is to check how fast your car is losing coolant. You can do this by checking the coolant level in your reservoir a few hours after topping it up. If it’s low or empty when you get back home, then it’s obvious that you have a leak in your coolant system.Step 2 Where is the puddle located?
The position of the puddle on the floor of your garage or driveway is a good indication of where your coolant leak is located. If it’s right under your radiator, it’s a good bet that the leak is at or around the radiator assembly.Step 3 Check the coolant level in your radiator
After confirming the type of fluid and location of the leak, your next step is to inspect the coolant level in your radiator. If it’s low or empty, the leak is somewhere at the bottom. If it’s full, then the leak is likely somewhere at the top. Before you check your radiator though, make sure that your engine is cool to avoid getting burned.Step 4 Go over the radiator
Unless the leak is easily visible, you may need to look at the radiator from every angle. Use every tool at your disposal to do so, including a creeper so you can get underneath, a mirror to check in narrow spaces, etc. Once you spot the leak, bring your radiator in for repair or replacement at a competent car service shop. You might consider using a radiator additive or sealant that stops the leak, but it’s always best to have a trained and experienced technician weld the leak shut.Featured Articles
- Latest
- Popular
-
-
CAMPI, TMA enjoy 13%-growth in Q1 2024Ruben Manahan IV . Apr 22, 2024
-
BYD Cars PH, BPITCRC forge partnershipRuben Manahan IV . Apr 17, 2024
-
-
Suzuki PH joins MPLB for 2nd timePaulo Papa . Apr 16, 2024
-
Isuzu PH, PHRX refreshes collaborationRuben Manahan IV . Apr 15, 2024
Recommended Articles For You
-
-
-
-
-
-
Honda PH: Be a better rider during lockdownRuben Manahan IV . Jun 25, 2020
Car Articles From Zigwheels
- News
- Article Feature
- Advisory Stories
- Road Test
-
Auto China 2024: Kia displays EV5Paulo Papa . Today
-
Auto China 2024: Toyota showcases bZ3C, bZ3XPaulo Papa . Today
-
Auto China 2024: Honda launches e:NP2, e:NS2Paulo Papa . Today
-
Auto China 2024: GWM Tank 700 Hi4-T launched, to arrive in PH soonPaulo Papa . Today
-
Auto China 2024: Nissan unveils 4 concept carsPaulo Papa . Today
-
Which is the better choice: Toyota Corolla Cross or Yaris Cross?Paulo Papa . Apr 22, 2024
-
Hard-hitting hybrids: Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Nissan Kicks e-PowerPaulo Papa . Apr 22, 2024
-
Toyota Corolla Cross: Old vs. newPaulo Papa . Apr 17, 2024
-
Here are the new Toyota Corolla Cross variantsPaulo Papa . Apr 17, 2024
-
MIAS 2024: Here’s what transpired on the first day of the annual auto expoPaulo Papa . Apr 06, 2024
-
Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy WeekPaulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
-
Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car ownersPaulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
-
PH auto market: 2023 in retrospectPaulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
-
Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiastsHazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
-
Oil players cut pump prices anewPaulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
-
ELECTRIA: Toyota Zenix Q Hybrid is fit for modern familiesRuben Manahan IV . Apr 02, 2024
-
First look: JMC VigusPaulo Papa . Apr 01, 2024
-
First look: JMC Grand AvenuePaulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
-
Above average: Toyota Raize GPaulo Papa . Mar 22, 2024
-
BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountainsPaulo Papa . Mar 18, 2024
