What are the reasons for car coolant leakage?
2 Answers
The reasons for car coolant leakage are: 1. Radiator damage, poor sealing of the upper and lower water chambers; 2. Loose and poorly sealed connections between the overflow tank, water pump joint surface, and cooling system pipelines; 3. Cylinder head gasket damage, poor flatness between the cylinder head and cylinder block. The method for replacing coolant: 1. Unscrew the radiator cap, open the radiator drain valve to drain the coolant; 2. Insert a rubber hose connected to a tap into the radiator filler port, allowing tap water to flow through the engine cooling system while the engine is idling, until clear water comes out of the radiator; 3. Turn off the tap, wait for the cooling system water to drain completely, then close the radiator drain valve; 4. Fill the radiator with coolant through the filler port, then unscrew the reservoir cap and add coolant until it reaches the Max mark; 5. Tighten the radiator cap and reservoir cap; 6. Start the engine, let it idle for about 2 to 3 minutes, then unscrew the radiator cap and top up the coolant until it reaches the Max mark, then replace the radiator cap.
I've experienced coolant leaks several times, and there are many possible causes. The most common issue is aging rubber hoses – after prolonged exposure to weather, they can crack or develop loose connections, especially near the water pump and radiator. Water pump failure is another major culprit, as worn shaft seals lead to seepage. If your temperature gauge suddenly spikes while driving, this is likely the problem. The radiator itself might rust through or have weakened solder joints that leak under pressure. Then there's the heater core – if you notice window fogging or a sweet smell when using the defroster, suspect this component. Last time I had a leak, I spotted colorful puddles under the car, immediately checked the expansion tank level, and topped up with distilled water as a temporary fix. The repair shop later replaced several hoses to solve it. Remember, prolonged neglect can cause engine overheating damage, so address leaks promptly. Regular coolant changes during maintenance can prevent many such issues.
