How to know if my radiator is leaking

One of the responsibilities of vehicle ownership includes managing a leaky radiator at some point in the lifetime of your vehicle. After all, it is a very common occurrence which happens to many vehicles no matter the shape or size.

As the sole purpose of a radiator is to exchange heat, it plays a key role in managing the temperatures of your engine. The constant flow of coolant liquid back and forth the tubes increase the chances of leaks happening.

The problem with a leaky radiator is that you may take some time before detecting the leak. If you’re lucky, the leak is apparent, and you can catch on quite quickly. Where your leaking radiator remains unattended, you will most likely have an overheated engine to deal with which will lead to the eventual cause of a breakdown.

Due to the worst case scenario being highly undesirable, it is strongly advised that you regularly check your vehicle for any signs of radiation problems.

Here are the most common signs of a leaking radiator to help you stay on top of your game.


A drop in the coolant level

Coolant is the liquid that flows into the radiator with the purpose of absorbing excess heat released by the engine.

Naturally, coolant levels are expected to drop gradually with time as you operate your vehicle. Once the level declines, you should add more coolant to maintain a healthy radiator system. However, one of the telltale signs of a leaking radiator is when your coolant level drops drastically.

A rapid drop in coolant level indicates an abnormal discharge of the coolant which may be caused by leakage in the radiator.


A puddle under your engine

A leaking radiator is likely to leave a spot of liquid under your parked vehicle. Check under your engine for any signs of fluid discharge. If there is a puddle of slimy, bright green fluid, it’s a strong indicator that you have yourself a leaking radiator.

Be careful when dealing with the puddle as the fluid is toxic and hazardous. Efforts should be made to clean it as soon as possible and dispose of it properly to prevent any potential contact with all life forms.


Discoloured or corroded radiator

Discharged coolant will cause discolouration to a radiator which may also result in corrosion. To spot signs of discolouration, check the underside of your engine as well as its adjacent parts. Leaks are easier to spot when you have a clean engine so clean the radiator and hoses thoroughly with water. Where there is a leak in the hose, it’s nice knowing that you can fix this fairly easily. However, if the problem is a leaking radiator, repairing it will prove to be more challenging.


Frequent overheating of your engine

Have a vehicle that keeps overheating? It may be possible that your radiator is leaking.

The point of a radiator is to avoid your engine from overheating. When there is a leak in your radiator, the temperature of your engine soars as the coolant is more than likely being discharged and not entering the engine as it should.

In the majority of cases, frequent engine overheating is a result of a leaking engine.

If ever in doubt, it is always advised to contact an automotive specialist to have a look at your vehicle.