The radiator is a fundamental and integral component of your car’s engine cooling system. When you drive a car, the engine gets hot and the radiator helps to keep your car from overheating.
A leaking radiator can cause significant damage to your engine, leading to costly repairs. And not just that, it reduces the longevity of the engine.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the symptoms of a radiator leak, what causes it, and why you shouldn’t ignore it.
What is a Radiator and Its Function?
The radiator is a component of your car’s cooling system, which prevents the engine from overheating and is responsible for regulating the temperature of your engine. It is typically located at the front of your car, behind the grille.
The radiator is like a big metal box with lots of small tubes inside it. Coolant, which is a special liquid that needs to be put inside the radiator, helps cool the engine and flows through the tubes.
The tubes have fins on them that help to spread out the heat from the coolant so that it can cool down. When the coolant has been cooled down, it goes back to the engine to cool it down too.
6 Radiator Leak Symptoms
Here are 6 common signs of radiator leak that you can notice easily:
1. Sudden Drop in Coolant Level
If you use a car on a regular basis, it’s very normal that the coolant level gradually decreases. But if you notice a sudden drop in coolant, then it could be a sign of a leakage somewhere in the cooling system.
2. Coolant Puddles Under Car
A radiator leak can cause coolant to leak out and form puddles underneath the car. The puddles may be greenish, or yellowish in color, depending on the type of coolant used in your car.
3. Sweet, fruity odor coming from the engine
Coolant has its own sweet and fruity kind of smell. If you sense such a smell coming from under the bonnet, then there is a high probability of a radiator leak.
4. Overheating Engine
There are many causes of car overheating including faulty radiator. If you notice that the engine is getting overheated, then that means either the coolant level is not up to the mark or there is some leakage in the radiator.
5. Steam coming from the Engine
If you see steam coming from under the bonnet of your car, it could be a sign of a radiator leak. The steam may be accompanied by a hissing or bubbling sound.
6. Loose Radiator Cap
The loose cap of the radiator is one of the most common symptoms of radiator leak. It can cause leakage to a significant level. You must check the cap and coolant level before you drive a car, especially on a long drive.
What Causes Radiator Leak?
- Head Gasket is blown
- Water Pump Failure
- Damage to the Expansion tank
- Damage to the radiator from road debris or accidents
- Corrosion or wear and tear over time
- Damaged or worn hoses connecting the radiator to the engine
Is a Leaking Radiator Dangerous?
A leaking radiator can be dangerous if left unattended. A low coolant level can cause your engine to overheat, which can lead to significant damage. In addition, the leaking coolant can also damage other components of your car’s engine and electrical system.
Even the engine gets seized, if you drive a car with a leak or low coolant. So, if you notice any symptoms of a radiator leak, you must take your car to the workshop immediately to get it checked and repaired by a skilled mechanic as soon as possible and then drive.
Conclusion
A radiator leak can be a serious problem if left unattended. If you notice any symptoms of a radiator leak, such as a low coolant level, steam coming from under the hood, or a sweet odor, it’s important to get it checked out by a mechanic.
By taking care of your car’s cooling system, you can help prevent costly repairs and ensure that your car runs smoothly for years to come.