What Causes Coolant Leaks?
3 Answers
Coolant leaks can be caused by: 1. Sealing issues in the cooling system; 2. Loose connections between the antifreeze tank and radiator in the cooling system; 3. Aging and cracking of rubber hoses or corrosion and perforation of the radiator. The functions of coolant include: 1. Preventing freezing and expansion damage to the radiator and engine cylinder block during cold weather; 2. Protecting metal components from corrosion and rubber parts from aging; 3. Reducing scale buildup to avoid clogging circulation pipes and impairing the cooling system's heat dissipation; 4. Preventing engine overheating to ensure normal operating temperature; 5. Providing lubrication for the water pump, thermostat, and other components.
I just encountered a coolant leak issue a couple of days ago. While driving, the engine started smoking, which scared me so much that I immediately pulled over. The main causes are usually aging and cracked hoses or loose connections, causing the coolant to spray out. My car is six or seven years old, and those rubber hoses tend to become brittle and crack under high temperatures. Additionally, the radiator might get damaged by small stones on the road and start leaking. If the water pump's seal wears out, it can also leak, and if this part fails, it can cause problems for the entire cooling system. Checking for leaks isn’t hard—just pop the hood and look for green or pink wet spots on the ground. If there’s a leak, it means repairs are needed. I recommend regularly replacing the coolant every two years and checking if the hose connections are tight. Never ignore this issue, as engine overheating can total the entire car. It’s best to get a full inspection at a professional shop.
Having driven for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous coolant leak cases. Common causes include radiator aging cracks—especially prone to bursting during winter's drastic temperature swings; loose hose connections frequently lead to coolant seepage; and water pump seal failures also cause leaks, particularly noticeable after high-speed driving. My old car once had issues due to radiator corrosion, later discovering leaks worsened under high cooling system pressure, especially with AC use in summer. For prevention, maintain clean coolant (avoid mixing types) and have technicians test system pressure during regular maintenance. Stop immediately upon detecting leaks to prevent engine overheating and seizure risks. Cultivating a habit of regularly checking coolant levels helps detect issues early.
