Radiator Leaks: What Causes Them and How to Fix Them

Radiator Leaks Happen All the Time

Your vehicle’s radiator may leak suddenly and leave you stranded on the side of the road. The most common reasons for a leak can be a hole in the radiator caused by rust, a manufacturing defect, or cracks developing from the engine getting too hot. Regardless of what caused your radiator to leak, it’s never wise to drive your car after it overheats. Therefore, you should be aware of what you can use to seal radiator leaks before they become an even bigger problem. For example, AlumAseal® Radiator Stop Leak and Conditioner is a reliable option.

The Potential Damages of a Radiator Leak

Your radiator, like many parts of your vehicle, takes a beating every day. As antifreeze circulates through the engine, the generated heat dissipates, allowing the engine to run at extremely high revolutions for long periods. Needless to say, there’s a lot of heat output. It’s incredible what a pounding your radiator takes. The cooling system must be in top shape to handle it.

If your vehicle overheats, many parts of your car can be damaged including the engine, gaskets, thermostat, cooling system, and even the radiator. It’s important to know how to fix a radiator leak before the car overheats. Because it’s so safe and convenient, AlumAseal Radiator Stop Leak and Conditioner is a good place to start.

Leading Causes of Radiator Leaks

The leading and most common cause is corrosion in the radiator. Radiators, hoses, and hose connections collect sediment and rust that can punch holes in the radiator over time. In a few instances, weak coolant can be the cause of overheating. Poor service practices also hurt the radiator, though if serviced by a professional, this should not be a problem. For instance, over-filling the radiator can cause leaks from increased water pressure. A bad thermostat or a heater core can also create excessive heat and pressure on the radiator.

Check the level of your radiator and the strength of your coolant while at the service station. Always check the radiator when the engine is cold; never when it’s hot. Ask a car mechanic when you are at the garage to test the fluid. Mechanics routinely check for a radiator leak when they change the oil or do other engine-related work. Often, the invoice has check marks that a mechanic does routinely on a car. If you have questions, talk to the mechanic and ask about the radiator. They’re experts, and they’ll recognize a problem as soon as they see it. Also, when buying coolant, stay away from the cheap stuff.

When it comes to getting your radiator fluid replaced, always have the system flushed. Rust and sediment collecting in the passageways and hoses can build up and cause a plug. This could cause radiator leaks and make the engine overheat. Rust literally eats holes in the radiator.

How to Fix a Radiator Leak

Since a leaking radiator is the leading cause of overheated engines, it’s important to find a solution to correct the problem. One of the easiest ways for a consumer to address a radiator leak is to pour a bottle of AlumAseal Radiator Stop Leak and Conditioner into the radiator. This liquid sealant product is a convenient and safe way to fix radiator leaks. You can apply AlumAseal Radiator Stop Leak and Conditioner in a few seconds, sparing the time and expense of visiting a mechanic. Wait until the engine is cold, follow directions on the product container, and run the engine. The circulation of the sealant allows AlumAseal Radiator Stop Leak and Conditioner to plug radiator leaks, fixing the problem. AlumAseal Radiator Stop Leak is also available in powder form to take it on the go.