What Causes Radiator Leakage?
3 Answers
Possible causes of car radiator leakage include: hose rupture, oil emulsification, loose radiator cap, leaking rubber hose connections, cracked cooling tubes, or radiator damage. The car radiator, also known as the heat exchanger, is a key component in the vehicle's cooling system. Its function is to dissipate heat - coolant absorbs heat in the water jacket, flows to the radiator to release the heat, then returns to the water jacket in a continuous cycle, achieving temperature regulation. Introduction to Car Radiators: 1. The car radiator typically refers to the heat exchanger. As part of the cooling system, the engine's liquid-cooled radiator consists of three main components: inlet tank, outlet tank, header, and radiator core. 2. There are two main types of automotive radiators: aluminum (commonly used in passenger vehicles) and copper (primarily for heavy commercial vehicles).
The most common cause of radiator leakage is aging and cracking plastic components. Last time I washed my car, I noticed the chassis was wet. Upon closer inspection, I found the plastic top cover of the radiator had become brittle. The mechanic said this is especially common in vehicles over five years old. Also, those rubber hoses can harden and crack under high temperatures, particularly in turbocharged cars where engine bay temperatures are higher. Another annoying issue is when the water pump impeller wobbles, causing the shaft seal to leak, often producing a ticking noise when the AC is on. Oh, and don't overlook hidden problems like cracks in the coolant reservoir or flattened sealing rings on the cap. The most frustrating scenario is winter freeze cracks—once at -20°C, I forgot to switch to low-freezing-point coolant, and it literally burst the side wall. These may seem like minor issues, but if all the coolant leaks out and causes engine seizure, repairs can cost over ten thousand dollars.
I've encountered water pipe joint leaks three times! Those metal clamps inevitably loosen over time, causing coolant to spray when the system is pressurized. A small hole in the radiator core from a rock impact is even trickier - highway driving turns insects and debris into killers. Turbo-modified vehicles require extra caution, as factory radiator welds are prone to bursting under increased pressure. Once my A/C wouldn't cool at idle - turns out the radiator/condenser sandwich had corroded through. Aftermarket parts often start seeping within two years, while OEM parts cost more but last. Regularly check coolant levels and inspect hose flexibility when cold.
