Renew Insurance

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.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Mitsubishi Motors PH to bring van offering 'soon'?
    Mitsubishi Motors PH to bring van offering 'soon'?
    Ruben Manahan IV . May 14, 2025
  • BYD Cars PH to launch Sealion 5 DM-i?
    BYD Cars PH to launch Sealion 5 DM-i?
    Ruben Manahan IV . May 14, 2025
  • Honda Cars PH extends summer promo with ‘New Roads, New Stories’ campaign
    Honda Cars PH extends summer promo with ‘New Roads, New Stories’ campaign
    Paulo Papa . May 14, 2025
  • Geely EX5 attains 5-star rating from ANCAP
    Geely EX5 attains 5-star rating from ANCAP
    Cesar Miguel . May 14, 2025
  • Toyota celebrates 40th year in Le Mans 24H with livery inspired by past, present
    Toyota celebrates 40th year in Le Mans 24H with livery inspired by past, present
    Ruben Manahan IV . May 14, 2025
  • Here are the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid's 5 color options
    Here are the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid's 5 color options
    Paulo Papa . May 09, 2025
  • Let’s check out the vehicles of the Red Cross
    Let’s check out the vehicles of the Red Cross
    Cesar Miguel . May 08, 2025
  • Nissan Patrol vs. the competition
    Nissan Patrol vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . May 06, 2025
  • Here are some VF 6 benefits, according to VinFast PH
    Here are some VF 6 benefits, according to VinFast PH
    Paulo Papa . May 06, 2025
  • Ideal cars for modern-day moms
    Ideal cars for modern-day moms
    Paulo Papa . May 06, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Paulo Papa . Mar 06, 2025
  • First drive: Suzuki Dzire Hybrid
    First drive: Suzuki Dzire Hybrid
    Cesar Miguel . May 02, 2025
  • Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid's 4 unique features vs. most midsize SUVs
    Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid's 4 unique features vs. most midsize SUVs
    Ruben Manahan IV . Apr 30, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: First drive: Changan Lumin
    ELECTRIA: First drive: Changan Lumin
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 22, 2025
  • JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes
    JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes
    Paulo Papa . Apr 22, 2025
  • First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
    First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
    Paulo Papa . Apr 03, 2025

Copyright © Carmudi 2014-2025. All Rights Reserved.

CardekhoSEA
Oto Carmudi zigwheels