What to do if the car radiator is leaking a little?
3 Answers
Sometimes due to frequent bumps, the radiator cap may become loose. Check if it's loose. Open the engine oil cap. If you find traces of emulsification in the oil, you'll need to replace the engine cylinder gasket. Add air pressure into the radiator. The leaking spot will show water leakage due to the air pressure, helping you locate the gap for repair.
A few days ago, my old car also had a radiator leakage issue. I quickly checked the coolant level, and it was so low that it was barely visible, indicating a serious leak. I tried to locate the leak and found that the hose connection was a bit loose. After tightening it with pliers, the leak stopped temporarily, but soon fluid started seeping out again. Experience told me not to push my luck, so I immediately drove to a nearby repair shop. The mechanic said the radiator seal was worn out and replacing it would fix the problem. Remember, coolant leaks can cause engine overheating and damage, so if you encounter this on the road, drive carefully and don’t go too far—address it promptly. Regularly check the coolant color and level—prevention is always better than repair.
Coolant leaks are common in older cars, and mine had the same issue last year. It can be stabilized with just a few simple steps. First, buy a bottle of radiator stop-leak from an auto parts store and pour it into the coolant—it works well but shouldn’t be treated as a permanent fix. Check if the hoses are loose, especially the rubber ones; if they’re cracked, buying a new one and replacing it yourself is easy—just follow a YouTube tutorial. This method is cost-effective and quick, saving you from being overcharged at a repair shop. Lastly, don’t ignore it—letting the leak cause engine overheating would be a huge loss. Also, check for fluid traces under the chassis when washing your car to nip potential problems in the bud.
