What should I do if coolant leaks in my car?
Benjamin Jerew is an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician with over a decade of experience in auto repair, maintenance, and diagnosis. Coolant leaks are a precursor to a major engine problem, and fixing them should be high-priority. Why? Engine coolant maintains engine operating temperatures in the best range for performance and fuel economy.
What causes coolant to leak from the radiator?
Adding pressure further increases the boiling point, up to 267 °F (130 °C) for a 50/50 blend. A new engine is usually able to maintain its coolant in the radiator, hoses, and coolant passages. However, damage, wear, corrosion, and other problems can easily cause coolant leaks. If you suspect you may have a coolant leak, look for these symptoms.
Can a crack in the head gasket cause a coolant leak?
This is a sign of a coolant leak, but might also be caused by cracks in the engine, head, or head gasket. The most obvious coolant leak solution is to find and fix the leak, but finding the leak is not always an easy task. Here are some of the most common ways causes of a coolant leak and how to fix them.
What happens when engine coolant is too cold?
Engine coolant maintains engine operating temperatures in the best range for performance and fuel economy. If the engine is too cold, fuel doesn’t vaporize as easily, leading to poor performance and increased fuel consumption.
What are some causes of an engine coolant leak?
Causes of Engine Coolant Leak Water Pump. The water pump’s job is to move the coolant between the engine and the car’s radiator. Radiator. Radiators are another common source of coolant leaks. Heater Core. On most vehicles the heating core is located in the heating ventilation and air conditioning system of the car, inside the car’s dash. Hoses.
Why is coolant leaking from engine?
An internal engine coolant leak may happen because of a cracked water jacket, cracked cylinder block or head, blown head gasket, a damaged transmission oil cooler line on automatic transmissions, or a leaking intake manifold gasket on V-type engines. Some internal coolant leaks make themselves obvious.
What are the dangers of a coolant leak?
As the coolant leaks and becomes low in the reservoir, the engine is no longer being cooled effectively. When this happens, the worst case scenario of a danger you may encounter is the overheating of the engine block. Not only will you be without your car, but you will have to dig into your pocket for this expensive repair.
How much does it cost to repair a coolant leak?
Leaks are able to occur anywhere the refrigerant passes from part to another. If it isn’t a leak, the common repair can be anywhere from as little as $300 to more than $2,000. Recharging the old refrigerant is one of the most common repairs and can cost $95 to $255.