What Causes Coolant Leakage at Pipe Joints?

[OEzra]

Coolant leakage at pipe joints is generally caused by the liquid being overfilled or the water temperature being too high. Below is relevant information about automotive coolant: 1. Function: To dissipate heat from the engine. Without coolant, the car's engine and radiator lack protection, which affects the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiator. The engine temperature will continue to rise without effective cooling, and the coolant cannot circulate properly. Continuing to drive under such conditions may severely damage the engine. 2. Weather factors: In cold climates, it can also cause the engine or radiator to freeze, leading to engine failure and rendering the vehicle inoperable. 3. Lack of water preventing circulation: The cooling system circulates coolant via the water pump to carry heat away from the engine. A lack of coolant will prevent this circulation and heat dissipation, damaging the engine.

[JocelynDella]

I had a similar issue with my car recently where the antifreeze was leaking from the pipe connection, leaving water stains all over the place. The main cause was the aging seal ring at the connection. The rubber ring, after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and vibrations, became brittle and hard, leading to leaks when it contracted. Additionally, if the connecting bolts are loose, the pipe connection can shift, resulting in poor sealing. Corrosion is another factor—when antifreeze deteriorates, its increased acidity can corrode the connection materials, creating tiny holes. In my case, the bolts were loosened by the high-pressure water jet during car washing. The problem was fixed at the repair shop by replacing the seal ring. But don’t overlook this seemingly minor issue—significant leakage can lead to insufficient antifreeze, increasing the risk of engine overheating and resulting in costly repairs. I make it a habit to regularly check for wet spots near the connections, as this proactive approach can save a lot of trouble.

[McPatrick]

As someone who frequently deals with cars, I believe there are several common factors leading to interface leakage. Seal failure is a major cause, such as aging and cracking of rubber gaskets or O-rings, which often occurs in vehicles with long service lives. Corrosion or micro-cracks at the interface can also cause leaks, especially when the acidity of the coolant exceeds standards, accelerating corrosion. Additionally, improper installation leading to poor interface fit or insufficient bolt tightening can result in leakage due to high-pressure differentials. Prolonged vehicle jolts and vibrations can also wear out the interface. When diagnosing, I first check if the fluid level has dropped, then inspect the leakage points; mechanics often disassemble, clean, and replace the seals. For prevention, regularly replacing coolant and checking interface tightness is crucial.

[RebeccaFitz]

As an average driver, don't panic if you notice fluid leakage at the connection. The causes are usually either a loose pipe connection or a damaged seal ring, as coolant can easily seep out under high temperatures. Long-term vibrations or poor-quality materials can lead to connection wear, and expired or degraded coolant causing corrosion is another potential issue. If you spot fluid traces around the connection, immediately check the coolant reservoir level to prevent it from dropping too low, which could lead to engine overheating. I recommend performing a quick visual inspection yourself and then promptly taking the car to a professional shop for diagnosis—they can determine whether parts need replacement or screws need tightening. Regularly checking connection conditions during maintenance can help prevent major problems.