How to Deal with a Leaking Coolant Reservoir?
2 Answers
The solutions for a leaking coolant reservoir are as follows: 1. Strong Leak Sealant: If the crack in the radiator is no more than 1mm or the hole is no larger than 2mm, add the strong leak sealant to the radiator and start the engine. The sealant will circulate with the coolant and reach the rubber hoses and various gaskets, stopping any leaks. After sealing, there is no need to drain it, and it will not affect heat dissipation or cause blockages. 2. Tobacco Leaves as a Temporary Fix: If you don’t have other tools on hand and the leak is minor in individual cooling tubes, you can temporarily place loose tobacco leaves into the radiator. The water circulation pressure will cause the tobacco to clog the leak in the cooling tubes for temporary use. 3. Tape Wrapping: If the leak is at a rubber hose joint, you can immediately use a screwdriver to wrap the hose joint clamp around the rubber hose joint twice and tighten it with pliers. If the rubber hose is damaged, use tape to tightly wrap the cracked area for temporary use.
Last time I was driving, I noticed the coolant reservoir was leaking. Upon closer inspection, I found tiny cracks at the bottom of the reservoir. This is actually a pretty common issue—I looked it up online and learned it's usually caused by plastic aging or a faulty cap seal. I immediately went to the auto repair shop to buy a new reservoir and replaced it, which didn’t cost much. If left untreated, the coolant could leak out completely, causing the engine temperature to skyrocket and potentially leading to serious engine damage. I recommend checking the coolant level every quarter to ensure it stays within the normal range. The coolant mixture ratio is also crucial—a 50/50 mix of water and coolant is ideal, as being too concentrated or too diluted can cause problems. Also, when replacing the reservoir, it’s a good idea to have the mechanic check the hoses for any blockages to avoid future issues. Developing these good habits can save you a lot of hassle.
