One of the most common problems with any car radiator is leakage. This can be lead to serious issues with the performance of the engine, and can also make other issues worse, such as corrosion. As a result, identifying the source of the leak, and resolving this in a timely manner, with expert help, is crucial. But what are the different car radiator parts that can leak? And how can the source of the leak be identified?
What are the different car radiator parts that can leak?
There are a number of key components within your car radiator that can cause leaks to occur, and subsequent damage. These include:
- Radiator core- Because the core of the radiator is made up of a number of tubes, through which coolant is directed around the system, this can be one of the most common sources of radiator leaks. The causes for a leak in the radiator core include corrosion, physical damage, or wear and tear over time, with corrosion often being the most common factor. corrosion in the radiator core can be caused by old or contaminated coolant, which can become acidic and eat away at the metal pipes within the core.
- Radiator hoses- Another common culprit for a car radiator leak are the radiator hoses. These are flexible rubber hoses that connect the radiator to the engine, with the upper hose carrying hot coolant from the engine to the radiator, and the lower hose returning the cooled coolant to the engine. Leaks can often be caused by cracks or splits in these hoses, caused by corrosion and wear and tear over time, or by loose connections.
- Radiator cap- The radiator cap is an important component that maintains the pressure in the cooling system. As such, a faulty or loose cap can prevent pressure from being maintained properly, causing the coolant to leak. In addition, the seal on the cap can deteriorate due to wear and tear, leading to leaks.
- Gaskets and seals- Finally, the gaskets and seals used for various car radiator components can degrade over time, which can often cause leaks.
Identifying the source of the leak
With so many different component that can be cause of the leak, its important to take steps to identify the source, to be able to rectify this correctly. To identify a radiator leak, you can look for the following signs:
- Coolant puddles- A common sign of a vehicle leak is a small puddle left under the car when parked. While other factors also cause leaks, a coolant leak will be easy to identify due to the colour. A coolant puddle will be green, yellow or orange in colour most commonly. If you notice a coolant leak, this may not immediately indicate which part of the radiator is leaking, but the location of the puddle can help to identify the general area, allowing a professional team like us here at MRS to investigate further.
- Coolant levels- It’s an important part of regular maintenance to measure and monitor your coolant levels. This can help to provide an early warning sign for a leak in your car radiator, as frequently low coolant levels in the reservoir can be caused by a leak. This may be something you notice before you see any external leakage. However, this won’t help to identify the specific source of the leak, without further professional investigation.
- Visible leaks- for more information about where your leak could be coming from, you could consider inspecting the radiator, hoses, and connections for any visible signs of leakage. Look for wet spots, stains, or dried coolant residue which is a clear sign of the cause of your leak.
- Pressure test- A cooling system pressure test can be highly effective for sourcing the cause of a car radiator leak. This involves pressurising the system and looking for drops in pressure, which indicate a leak.
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Here at MRS Heat Transfer we are radiator, car heater, intercooler, and air conditioning experts, and we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to resolve any air conditioning or car heater problem. Why not get in touch today to find out more?