How Long Can Radiator Stop-Leak Last?
2 Answers
3min. General leaks can be stopped within three minutes after applying the stop-leak agent. Concept: The car radiator, also known as the heat exchanger, is a key component in the vehicle's cooling system. Its function is to dissipate heat. The coolant absorbs heat in the water jacket, flows to the radiator to release the heat, then returns to the water jacket to circulate, achieving temperature regulation. It is an integral part of the automobile engine. Working Principle: The radiator is a crucial component of water-cooled engines. As an essential part of the water-cooled engine's cooling circuit, it absorbs heat from the cylinder block to prevent engine overheating. Due to water's high specific heat capacity, its temperature doesn't rise significantly after absorbing the cylinder block's heat. Therefore, the engine's heat is transferred through this liquid cooling circuit.
The duration of radiator sealants mainly depends on the product type and usage conditions, typically ranging from a few weeks to one or two years. Granular sealants contain solid particles and can quickly seal small cracks, but they tend to settle and cause blockages, with effectiveness lasting only a few months to about a year. Liquid sealants are gentler, usually targeting minor leaks, but they last only a few weeks to half a year, especially wearing out faster under high RPM or high-temperature conditions. Personally, I once tried a liquid sealant for a minor radiator leak, but it only held for two weeks before the leak returned, forcing me to replace the radiator. My advice: if you encounter a leak, first identify the cause—sealants are only a temporary fix, not a long-term solution. Relying on them can worsen cooling system issues and lead to bigger problems.
