Emergency Treatment for Car Radiator Leakage?
2 Answers
When the leakage is no more than a 1mm crack or a 2mm hole, add a bottle of radiator sealant to the radiator. If no sealant is available, for minor leaks in individual cooling tubes, you can temporarily place loose tobacco strands into the radiator. The water circulation pressure will cause the tobacco strands to block the leak in the cooling tube, providing a temporary fix. More details are as follows: 1. If the radiator tube is leaking severely, you can cut off the leaking section of the tube, plug the cut end with a cotton ball coated in soap, and then use pliers to flatten and crimp the cut end to stop the leakage. 2. If the rubber hose connection is leaking, promptly use a screwdriver to wrap the hose clamp around the rubber hose connection twice, then tighten it with pliers. If the leakage is due to the radiator cap not being properly secured, check and fasten it tightly.
Once on the highway, I noticed the temperature gauge skyrocketing and realized the radiator was leaking. I immediately pulled over and turned off the engine to prevent severe damage. After opening the hood, I carefully checked for the leak location. If it's just a small hole in a hose, you can temporarily seal it with soap or emergency leak repair glue, then top up with mineral water or coolant to restore the water level before driving to the repair shop. Without repair materials, don't risk driving—call a tow truck for safety. It's crucial to check the coolant's color and level before driving; discoloration or low levels can indicate potential issues. I also regularly clean dust buildup on the radiator surface to prevent poor cooling and reduce leak risks, saving both money and hassle.