Coolant leaking and running down the bottom of the car is a familiar problem. Because it is central to the car’s operation, you should understand how to spot a potential issue. It is used to circulate the engine parts because of its required performance. This is done to maintain the engine’s temperature and not allow it to boil or reach the extent of overheating.
To help distinguish the black colour of oil from the yellowish colour of gasoline in vehicles, different coolants are brightly coloured. If a car coolant leaks, it is rather apparent, so you do not have much to puzzle out. Coolant leakage will likely result from a worn-out seal, cracked fluid lines, or gaskets. This is because the engine coolant cannot cool down if it leaks. It causes such consequences as an engine overheating and steam coming from the hood.
Causes of Coolant Leaks
Awareness of the coolant leak caused by the bottom of a car is crucial in avoiding these problems and taking care of your car’s engine.
This section explores the typical causes of coolant car leaking:
1. Hole in the Radiator
Every part of the car engine endures great stress and extreme temperatures, which shows differently. Cracks are usually experienced on the sides of the radiator, and corrosion is the leading cause of radiator coolant leakage. You always get sediment or debris inside; the tubes get old as time passes and leak easily. There can also be a problem with the sealing gasket between the tank and the radiator, which might cause a leakage.
The hoses are connected to the radiator, too; as you know, the hose naturally becomes complex and challenging to seal with time. The parts through which they join to the radiator, water pump, and heater core all receive some danger of leaks as a result.
2. Faulty Expansion Tank
In most car models, the expansion tank is located next to the engine, but in some other vehicles, it is inside the engine bay. Its task is more of a reserve to contain the liquid, and it is often joined to the radiator through the rubber hoses. These rubber hoses connect the coolant to and from the expansion tank, so if there is a crack in the tank or if the hoses are worn, then there is no doubt where the leakage is originating.
3. Coolant Pooling
The most evident symptoms include noticing a puddle of coolant underneath your vehicle. All coolants are sold in various colors, such as blue, red, green, violet, yellow, or orange. If it has been in your car for quite some time, it may appear brown because of some impurities. If you are still determining if your vehicle leaks, lay cardboard to collect any drops.
4. Head Gasket Blown
Your car head gasket is an essential element in your car’s engine and works to help your vehicle run effectively. You might overlook a blowout for a long time. This could be several miles and you can see the problem. The head gasket also involves temperatures and pressures within the engine, where a head gasket is dealt with appropriately. That is a thin layer of material placed between the cylinder block and the cylinder heads and is commonly known as a head gasket. However, when it leaks, it is referred to as blown.
If it cannot separate engine coolant and oil, its use can lead to engine failure. This can also lead to a cooling liquid leak outside the engine, and as you deplete your coolant, it reduces the car’s cooling capability.
5. Leaking Heater Core
The heater core uses hot coolant to pass heat to the interior area of the car’s cabin. But if the coolant vapour leaks, you will experience a sweet smell from the vehicle or foggy windows. Search for water accumulation signs like puddles of water or wet discolouration beneath the dashboard. These signs can decipher a heater core leak. The heater in the car may fail to function correctly, or you may see the engine running rough and overheating.
How To Fix A Coolant Leak
Coolant leaking repair should be done as early as possible to prevent extensive dripping and related expensive work in the future. This is a guide that will show you how to fix a coolant leak:
1. Tighten Hose Clamps
If you discover a weak hose connection, tightening the hose clamps might work, especially if it is loose. To lock the clamps, one should use a screwdriver or pliers as ensuring too much pressure significantly harms the hose.
2. Use a Sealant Product
You can use a repair kit or sealant for minor leakage on hoses and radiators. To avoid this, please ensure you follow the instructions on each product. These sealants will accomplish small cracks and leaks for some time. But it is pivotal to supervise your system and to work on its permanent erasure.
3. Replace Hoses that are Leaking
Changing a hose if it is wrong or has developed a leak is advisable. Hoses are cheap and will reduce the chances of further damage to the engine and minimize coolant leakage.
4. Replace Radiator
The damage to the radiator coolant might be very severe, requiring replacement of the entire system. You should see a car repair in Perth if you are still trying to discover why you are experiencing the coolant leaking or if the problem continues even after fixing it. If you are a car owner, then it is prudent that you take your car to a professional car mechanics in Perth because they can perform the subsequent tasks effectively, such as investigating and assessing the problem and its correct remedy.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Coolant Leak?
One can also suffer additional costs if the coolant chamber and tank are damaged and require replacements. Flushing and refilling coolant also consumes more money than the former method. A coolant leak repair costs mostly between $150 and $400. However, depending on the severity, you may pay as low as $50 and as high as $1,000+.
Conclusion
Some methods to prevent coolant leaking include frequently changing the coolant in your radiator through routine checkups. It is very different from the old coolant that tends to go rancid, and once this happens, it becomes acidic and then starts corroding the aluminium in the radiator. The same can identify loose and degrading hoses that lead to a leaking radiator, which can be detected through regular maintenance. If you discover a problem with the coolant leakage, you can take the car to Perth auto mechanics to have the affected area located and repaired.
Also Read: Reasons Why Car Battery Keeps Draining and How to Stop It
