What Causes the Gurgling Sound in the Radiator After Parking?
2 Answers
After parking, the gurgling sound in the radiator is due to insufficient coolant in the vehicle. Here are the solutions for low coolant levels: The specific steps to add antifreeze are as follows: 1. Let the engine idle for a few minutes, then pull the hood release lever to open the hood. 2. Use the support rod to prop up the hood to avoid any hazards. 3. At this point, you can observe the coolant level through the markings on the coolant reservoir. If the coolant is below the marked line, it indicates low coolant in the radiator. 4. Then, simply add coolant through the reservoir's filler opening. Additional Information: If the coolant level is sufficient and not below the marked line, the vehicle should be taken to a repair shop for inspection.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and have encountered the situation where the radiator gurgles after parking many times. Simply put, air bubbles have entered the cooling system, causing poor coolant circulation, especially common after long-distance driving in summer. The reasons could be failing to fully bleed air when adding coolant, a loose radiator cap allowing vapor to enter, or an aging water pump with slow operation, leading to bubble formation and noise when heat accumulates. Ignoring this issue long-term can easily cause engine overheating and, in severe cases, damage the cylinder head gasket. My suggestion is not to turn off the engine immediately after parking; instead, open the hood to check the coolant level and top it up with antifreeze if it's low. Then, let the engine idle for a few minutes to allow the coolant to circulate and expel air, or visit a professional repair shop to check for sealing issues.