Radiator loss: what to do?

A radiator loss is a frequent problem that can lead to serious consequences if it is not treated quickly.

The radiator plays a crucial role in your engine cooling system Evacuating the excess heat generated during combustion. A loss can cause the engine overheating, causing expensive repairs or even an irreversibly damaged engine.

Mecazen guides you Reflexes to be adopted In case of radiator loss, warning signals, as well as potential solutions and costs to repair this problem.

What role the radiator has in the cooling system ?

The radiator is a key component of the vehicle cooling system. It is designed for Evacuate the excessive heat generated by the engine In order to maintain its temperature within acceptable limits.

The radiator works in combination with other elements such as cooling liquid, water pump and thermostat. The cooling fluid circulates through the engine to absorb the heat, then passes through the radiator in which this heat is dissipated thanks to an air flow.

If the radiator does not work properly, the engine temperature increases quickly, which can cause overheating and serious internal damage.

Signs of radiator loss

The identification of a radiator loss over time is essential to avoid expensive repairs. Here are the main signs of a radiator loss that you should monitor:

Liquid tasks under the car

The most obvious sign of a radiator loss is the Presence of liquid puddles under the vehicle.

The cooling liquid is generally green, pink or yellow and has a slightly oily consistency. If you notice assignments From this nature under your car, it is very likely that it is a loss of cooling liquid from the radiator or by another component of the cooling system.

The vehicle engine temperature is high

An overheating engine is another sign of a loss in the cooling system. If the temperature needle on the dashboard increases in the red zone, it means that The engine works at a dangerously high temperature. A radiator loss can prevent the cooler cooling liquid correctly, which causes overheating.

You have a smell of special smell in the cabin or outside

The refrigerant has a District sweet smell. If you smell that smell in the passenger compartment or around your car, it is possible that there is a loss. This smell can be a sign that The cooling liquid flees and evaporates On hot parts of the engine or radiator.

Smoking or steam under the hood of your vehicle

The smoke or steam that flee from under the hood is an iclear native overheating, often caused by a radiator loss. This phenomenon generally occurs when the cooling liquid is vaporized due to the excessive heat of the engine. If you see Smoke or steamstop the car immediately and turn off the engine to avoid worsening the situation.

Reflexes to have in case of radiator loss

If you suspect or discover a radiator loss, it is essential to act quickly to limit potential damage. Here are the reflections to be adopted in case of radiator loss:

Stop the vehicle immediately

If you notice signs of overheating or losses, the first thing to do is to find a safe place to stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. Never continue to drive with a overheating engineSince this could seriously damage the engine and cause expensive and even irreversible repairs.

Leave the engine to cool

Once the vehicle has been stopped, Let the engine cool down Before touching anything. The cooling liquid in the radiator is under pressure and extremely hot when the engine works. The opening of the radiator cap while the engine is still hot can cause serious burns due to steam or cooling fluid.

Check the level of the refrigerant

After letting the engine cool for at least 30 minutes, you can Carefully open the radiator’s hood or that of the expansion tank to check the cooling liquid level.

If the level is low, confirm that there is a loss. You can temporarily add the cooling liquid to avoid overheating, but this does not resolve the cause of the loss.

Identify the loss visually

If possible, try to visually identify the loss. This can help you evaluate the severity of the problem. The losses can come from the radiator, the joints or the radiator himself. If the loss is a minor, you may be able to drive in a garage for a more in -depth inspection. On the other hand, a significant loss will probably require a trailer to avoid damaging the engine.

Use a stubborn temporary product

If you are far from a garage, the use of A Individual product for the radiator It can temporarily seal the flight.

These products are designed for Connect small losses Until you can correctly repair the radiator. However, this is not a permanent solution and should be used only for emergency situations.

Solutions to repair a radiator loss

Once the loss is identified, it is necessary for the It quickly repairs to avoid damaging the engine more. Here are the main solutions to repair a radiator loss:

Replacement of defective pipes or joints

If the loss comes from the radiator’s pipes or joints, the simplest solution is to replace them. These components are relatively cheap and can be changed without having to replace the entire radiator.

Repair or replacement of the radiator

If the loss comes directly from the radiator (for example due to corrosion or a crack), you will probably have to replace it. In some cases, it is possible Repair a radiator welding or attacking the cracksBut this is not always recommended, especially if the radiator is old or seriously damaged.

Purge of the cooling system

After repairing the loss, it is essential to eliminate the cooling system to remove the air bubbles and make sure that the coolant circulates correctly. This avoids air pockets that could prevent the right engine cooling.

What is the cost of repairing a radiator loss ?

The cost of repairing a radiator loss depends on several factors, Like the extent of the damage, the vehicle model and the cost of the work. Here is an estimate of the costs:

• Replacement of pipes or joints : The cost to replace a radiator tube is relatively low, ranging from 20 to 50 euros per room and between 50 and 100 euros for the workforce.
• Radiator repair : A radiator repair, such as clogging a small crack, can cost between 50 and 150 euros.
• Replacement of the radiator : If the radiator must be replaced, the cost generally varies between 200 and 600 euros, depending on the model of the car and the type of radiator.

How to prevent a radiator loss ?

While radiator losses It cannot always be avoided, some maintenance measures can extend the duration of the radiator and the cooling system:

• Regular verification of the refrigerant : Make sure that the refrigerant level is always correct and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Inspection of pipes and joints : Regularly inspect the radiator’s tubes and joints to detect signs of wear or corrosion.
• Cleaning of the radiator : Regular cleaning eliminates limestone and rust deposits that could damage the radiator.

A radiator loss may seem like a minor problem, but it can quickly cause serious consequences if it is not treated in time.

By monitoring the signs of losses and adopting the right reflections, it is possible to avoid overheating and protect the engine.

If you detect a loss, it is essential to do so Quickly repair the radiator with a professional To avoid expensive long -term repairs.