What is the issue with coolant leakage?
2 Answers
Coolant leakage is caused by aging water pipes or rust in the radiator. Coolant, short for antifreeze coolant, refers to a liquid with antifreeze properties that prevents the coolant from freezing during cold seasons, which could otherwise crack the radiator or damage the engine block. Antifreeze is not just for winter use; it should be used year-round. In standard car maintenance, the engine coolant should be replaced every year. The car radiator, also known as the heat exchanger, is a key component of the cooling system. Its function is to dissipate heat—coolant absorbs heat in the water jacket, flows to the radiator to release the heat, and then returns to the water jacket to circulate, thereby regulating temperature.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered coolant leaks a few times, which always made me quite nervous. The most common causes are aging hoses or loose connections. In my case, it was a small crack in the lower hose in the engine compartment, with fluid dripping onto the ground. Coolant isn't just water—it prevents freezing and rust, and a leak can cause the engine temperature to skyrocket. You might hear strange noises or notice a sweet smell (due to the antifreeze components) while driving. If left untreated, the piston rings could seize, and there are plenty of cases where the engine ends up ruined. I neglected it once and ended up spending over 3,000 yuan on parts for repairs. Now I've developed a habit of checking the hoses for hardening by opening the engine hood every month and looking for colored spots on the ground after parking (coolant is usually green or pink). Regularly replacing the coolant is also crucial—typically every two years—to avoid sediment buildup and blockages. In short, if you spot a leak, don't delay—get it checked by a professional shop for the radiator and related pipes as soon as possible.
