Triangle Radiator & Auto Service – How Can I Tell If My Car’s Coolant Leaks?

You’ll be alerted to a radiator leak when your vehicle’s temperature warning light turns on. It’s a sign that there is a cooling system issue that could be caused by leaking either from the radiator unit itself or from another component.

How Can I Tell If My Car’s Coolant Leaks?

The first step is to verify that it is, in fact, coolant that is leaking and not a different fluid. (Coolant is just another term for antifreeze. Technically speaking, coolant is a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water.) You can check the coolant level by looking at your vehicle’s overflow tank. If it is low or empty, the next step is to check the coolant level in the radiator. If coolant is too low, it can result in engine overheating and cause your heater to blow cold air.

Once you have confirmed that your vehicle is leaking coolant, the radiator is the logical place to begin. Some radiator leaks are going to be simple to identify – like a puddle collecting under the radiator. Rust forming within a radiator or punctures from road debris can cause leaks too.

If the radiator looks ok, the leak could be occurring somewhere else in your vehicle’s cooling system such as from the hoses that connect the radiator to the engine, the radiator cap, the water pump, the engine block, heater core, thermostat or the reservoir tank. Another possible leak location could be a blown gasket in between the cylinder head and the engine block. This an issue that should be resolved right away by our mechanics.

At Triangle, we’re experts in radiator repair and replacement. At the first sign of a radiator leak – or if your vehicle is overheating – don’t hesitate to bring it in to our shop for service at 4060 North Elston Avenue.