How to Deal with Coolant Leakage?
2 Answers
Coolant leakage should be promptly inspected and repaired at a 4S shop or an auto repair shop. The main causes of coolant leakage in a car are: 1. Cooling system leakage: Coolant consists of three parts: water, antifreeze, and additives. Leakage in the cooling system or the use of pure water in the radiator instead of the specified coolant, or coolant with too much water content. Under normal circumstances, the liquid level in the coolant reservoir should remain basically unchanged. 2. Component damage: The cause of coolant leakage is direct leakage due to damaged components or damaged component seals. Another reason is the forced overflow of coolant caused by high coolant temperature.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered coolant leaks several times. The key is to stay calm and handle it properly. If you notice the dashboard temperature rising or smell something sweet with smoke, immediately pull over, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool down—about half an hour before opening the hood. Check the coolant reservoir level; if it's low, there's likely a leak underneath the car, possibly from a cracked hose or radiator. In my case, it was a loose hose connection. I temporarily plugged it with an old towel and drove slowly to a nearby repair shop, where they replaced the fitting. Remember, don't drive for too long with a leak, as engine overheating can damage internal components. During routine maintenance, I make it a habit to check hose connections and radiator corners every quarter to prevent leaks. This saves money on major repairs and ensures safe driving.