Why is the car always losing water even though the radiator is not broken?
3 Answers
Water loss in the radiator may be caused by damage to the radiator, such as cracks in the cylinder block leading to leaks, which can occur while driving. Inspection items: Check whether the leak occurs when the car is parked or when the engine is hot. Some radiators do not leak when the car is cold and parked, but spray mist when the engine is hot, making it difficult to detect. Inspect the rubber hoses of the radiator and the connections of the water tank's rubber hoses. If the issue persists, apply sealant to all connections, drain all the water, and then add antifreeze to see if the water loss continues. If the water loss persists, replace the cylinder head gasket as it is likely blown. Additionally, check the color and condition of the engine oil to ensure it is normal. Precautions: It is important to note that the car radiator is a critical component for cooling the engine. If the radiator malfunctions and the engine cannot dissipate heat in time, it may cause severe damage to the car. If the radiator runs low on water while driving, it should be checked and refilled promptly.
I once encountered the same situation where the coolant kept disappearing despite the radiator being fine. Later, I found out it was due to aging pipe connections that were leaking, especially noticeable when the car was hot. In the morning when the engine was cold, there were no drips, but after driving for half an hour, I could see wet marks in the engine bay. I recommend focusing on checking the water pump seals and hose clamps—these small parts can leak without you noticing. I also discovered that heater core leaks are quite common; if the floor mat gets wet when you turn on the heater, be alert. It's best to use a pressure tester to check the entire cooling system—it's much more reliable than visually searching for leaks. Always pay attention to any water stains on the ground when parking, and if the coolant level drops quickly, there's definitely a leak somewhere.
I've researched this issue. When the radiator isn't leaking but still losing coolant, the culprit is often the radiator cap. If the pressure valve in that little component fails, coolant can escape as steam. Once, I fixed the problem simply by replacing the cap. Also watch out for blown head gaskets - coolant can leak into the oil or cylinders, with white exhaust smoke being the telltale sign. If the engine consistently runs hot, coolant will boil off faster. During inspections, check the oil cap for a milky residue, which indicates coolant mixing with oil. It's wise to keep a bottle of OEM coolant for top-ups. In emergencies, distilled water can work temporarily but shouldn't be used long-term.
