What Causes Antifreeze Leakage in Vehicles?
2 Answers
There are three common causes of antifreeze leakage in vehicles: 1. Radiator damage or poor sealing of the upper and lower hoses; 2. Loose connections or poor sealing at the overflow tank, water pump interface, and various pipe fittings in the cooling system; 3. Damage to the cylinder head gasket, excessive flatness deviation or warping of the joint surface between the cylinder head and cylinder block, or loose cylinder head fastening bolts. Relevant information about antifreeze is as follows: 1. Introduction: The full name of antifreeze should be antifreeze coolant, meaning coolant with antifreeze properties. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and expanding in cold winter conditions, which could crack the radiator or damage the engine cylinder block or cylinder head. 2. Function: It provides anti-corrosion protection for components of the cooling system; prevents scale buildup, avoiding reduced radiator efficiency; and ensures the engine operates within the normal temperature range.
I've been driving for over 20 years. Common causes of coolant leaks include radiator cracks, aging hose ruptures, water pump seal damage, or loose connections. Coolant is crucial for the cooling system - leaks can lead to engine overheating, and in severe cases, may cause cylinder scoring or complete engine failure. I recommend first checking the ground for green or pink fluid stains, then monitoring whether the radiator fluid level drops rapidly. If it's a slow leak, it might be minor issues like loose clamps; but if it's leaking fast, stop the car immediately to avoid engine damage during high-speed driving. Regular cooling system maintenance is essential, such as replacing coolant every two years to prevent aging-related leaks. When problems arise, it's best to visit a professional repair shop for pressure testing to locate leaks - don't attempt DIY fixes blindly.
