What Causes Coolant Leakage in Peugeot 308?
2 Answers
Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is a liquid with antifreeze properties used to prevent the cooling system from freezing in cold weather, ensuring the car can still operate in low winter temperatures. Many vehicles experience a reduction in coolant levels, with the most common causes being three scenarios: 1. Natural Depletion: Various fluids in a car undergo depletion. Since coolant is responsible for cooling the car's engine and often operates under high temperatures, it is normal for coolant levels to decrease by about 10%–36% per year. 2. Aging of Metal Pipes: Rubber and metal pipes frequently exposed to high temperatures can age due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to small gaps through which coolant may seep. Common leakage points include radiator hoses, air conditioning heater hoses, thermostats, and water pump seals. Regular inspection of sealing gaskets, tightening clamps, and timely maintenance can ensure driving safety and prevent breakdowns or accidents. 3. Coolant Entering the Cylinder for Combustion: Issues such as cylinder block cracks, cylinder head gasket erosion, or corrosion deformation can cause this. In such cases, check the oil dipstick to see if the engine oil shows signs of emulsification.
I once encountered a coolant leak issue with my Peugeot 308, where I noticed the dashboard temperature gauge skyrocketing while driving. Possible causes include cracks or aging leaks in the radiator, loose or worn-out connections in the hoses, failure of the water pump's gasket leading to fluid seepage, or an improperly sealed radiator cap causing pressure leaks. When checking, it's best to stop the car and inspect for any pink fluid traces underneath, and listen for any hissing sounds after the engine heats up. Ignoring it could lead to severe engine overheating, and issues like cylinder scoring or engine failure are no small matters. In my case, it was a faulty water pump, and while the repair cost some money, timely action prevented major problems. Regular visual inspections of the cooling system during daily driving are very helpful to avoid being stranded by sudden issues.
