Temperature is an important factor when it comes to a car’s engine.
Coolant is used to maintain the temperature of the engine, allowing it to operate correctly and safely.
Sometimes, coolant leaks develop in the cooling system.
How does the cooling system work?
The cooling system is made up of a few components that keep the engine operating at a safe temperature.
When the engine block hits to a specific temperature, a thermostat slowly opens, allowing coolant to flow from the water pump to the radiator. The coolant goes to the heater core and, then, the engine block.
What are symptoms of a coolant leak?
A few signs will present themselves when your car has a coolant leak.
These are some symptoms you may notice:
Visible coolant leaks: Sometimes coolant leaks can’t be seen. But, depending on the location of the leak, drivers might notice coolant leaking from their vehicle (usually the center of the car’s front).
Coolant can be green, orange, pink, red or yellow.
Low coolant: The coolant level could also be low if a leak is present.
Engine overheating: You may come across another indicator while operating your car. The engine temperature light might appear on your dashboard, telling you that the engine is overheating.
What are common causes of coolant leaks?
Coolant leaks can be the result of rust, corrosion and impacts.
Sometimes, leaks stem from parts going bad.
What are common places for a coolant leak?
There are many places where coolant leaks occur.
Leaks are possible if cracks develop in the radiator hoses or water pumps.
Other problems that could lead to leaks include broken heater hose connectors and bad seals and gaskets on water pumps.
A coolant leak occurred on a Volkswagen Beetle due to a heater hose connector breaking and a crack in the oil filter housing.
Leaking coolant might be found if clamps become weak. The seals and gaskets on inlets and outlets are also sources of leaks.
On older vehicles, you may see an inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet have been replaced with multiple coolant hoses on certain cars nowadays.
These smaller coolant hoses may be covered up by other components, making it more challenging to locate some leaks.
Here are common coolant leak places:
- Water pump
- Water pump seals and gaskets
- Radiator
- End caps
- Oil coolers
- Transmission coolers
- Radiator hoses
- Heater core
- Heater core inlets and outlets
- Heater hoses
- Heater hose connectors
- Thermostat housing
- Thermostat
- Bypass hoses
How do we find coolant leaks?
The steps for figuring out where coolant is leaking will vary between internal and external leaks.
If the leak is occurring on the outside, we will start with a visual inspection. The inspection is followed by a coolant pressure test, which allows us to see leaks.
A variety of tests may be used to locate internal leaks, such as a block test.
Can you drive a car with leaking coolant?
A vehicle that has a coolant leak will technically drive, but not for long.
You should avoid using a car that’s leaking coolant, because it will overheat. If a vehicle runs too hot, it can lead to engine damage. The head gasket could blow, and after it blows the car won’t run right.
In severe cases, driving a vehicle with an overheating engine will warp the surfaces of the motor.
Because of the damage that can occur, you don’t want to put off a coolant leak repair. If your car has a coolant leak or you’re noticing symptoms of a leak, have it checked out by an automotive expert as soon as possible.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.