What Are the Causes of Radiator Leakage?
2 Answers
Possible causes of car radiator leakage include: hose rupture, oil emulsification, improperly secured radiator cap, rubber hose joint leakage, cooling tube rupture, and radiator cracking. Here is an introduction to car radiators: 1. The car radiator, also known as the heat exchanger, is a key component in the automotive cooling system. 2. 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 in a continuous cycle, achieving temperature regulation through heat dissipation. 3. The radiator is a crucial part of water-cooled engines, absorbing heat from the engine block to prevent overheating. Due to water's high specific heat capacity, its temperature doesn't rise significantly after absorbing engine heat. The engine's heat is transferred through the coolant circuit using water as a thermal conductor, then dissipated via large-area cooling fins through convection, maintaining the engine's optimal operating temperature.
I've been driving for over a decade and often encounter radiator leaks, mainly due to aging or external damage. If a radiator has been used for a long time, the metal inside can rust and corrode, forming small cracks that slowly leak water. For example, a stone flying on the road might puncture it, or an accident could deform or crack the radiator. Another common factor is a loose radiator cap with poor sealing, making it prone to leak coolant when the cooling system pressure rises. Once, my car leaked on the highway because of an aged connector. I had to pull over and add water as an emergency measure, but don't drive for too long like that, or the engine could overheat and get damaged, costing a fortune. For daily prevention, I recommend flushing the radiator every six months to prevent sediment buildup and using antifreeze instead of plain water for better corrosion resistance. If you notice an issue, check it immediately—a simple test is using a flashlight to spot leaks or adding dye to trace them. Fix minor repairs promptly to avoid expensive part replacements later.
