What to Do If the Radiator Is Leaking?
2 Answers
Solutions for radiator leakage: First, inspect the radiator. If the hose is cracked and the crack is not too large, you can try to fix it yourself. If you have a strong leak stopper, pour it into the radiator, then start the engine to circulate the coolant. The leak should stop in about ten minutes. Car radiator maintenance tips: 1. Keep the engine idling to continue dissipating heat, and open the engine hood to speed up heat dissipation. Do not attempt to continue driving if the water temperature is too high or boiling to avoid causing major engine damage. 2. If the radiator is leaking or the fan belt is loose or broken, wait for the engine to cool down completely if necessary, then drive the car to a service center at low speed for repairs.
Seeing coolant leakage is indeed alarming, and I've encountered similar situations several times. First, stay calm and don't rush to drive – find a safe spot to park and inspect. Open the hood to locate the leak: If it's coming from a radiator crack or hose connection, turn off the engine to cool it down and prevent engine damage. For a temporary fix, I recommend using a radiator stop-leak additive poured into the cooling system – available at most auto shops – which can seal small cracks, though it's not a permanent solution. Also, when checking coolant levels, top up with distilled water or proper coolant (avoid tap water to prevent rust). Safety first: If the temperature gauge shows overheating, don't force the car to move; better call a tow truck or drive slowly to the nearest repair shop. To prevent such issues, regularly inspect the radiator and hoses for aging during maintenance – generally replacing coolant every two years reduces leakage risks. By the way, unusual noises or a sweet smell while driving could be early warnings – don't ignore these subtle signals.
