Loss of coolant: detection, causes and solutions

To avoid breakage engine do not neglect the appearance of a coolant leak. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about coolant loss, causes and solutions if coolant change is not enough.

?? How to determine the loss of coolant?

You have several ways to notice fluid loss:

• The temperature indicator will light up red or the indicator will light up (thermometer immersed in water);
• Another indicator light allows you to notice the loss of coolant: this is the one that symbolizes a partially filled rectangular container;
• Inspecting the vehicle from the outside reveals a leak. Look under the car to see if drops of this liquid are falling, or notice a puddle on the ground;
• You can also look under the hood and check the coolant level using the min / max gauge.

🚗 What role does the cooling system play?

When your engine is running, it burns an air / fuel mixture, generating heat of several hundred degrees. The cooling system allows water to circulate through the combustion chambers to prevent overheating and therefore engine failure. The nearly closed-loop cooling system consists of the following:

• Fluid reservoir;
• A pump that delivers fluid through hoses (pipes);
• Heat exchanger water / oil;
• Cylinder head gasket;
• A radiator in which the fluid is cooled by air before re-injection;
• Sensors informing about injected quantities.

🇧🇷 What are the reasons for the loss of coolant?

• Hoses: Hoses are pipes that carry fluid between different parts of the cooling system. Over time, they wear out or slip off, which can cause leaks.
• Radiator: installed behind the air intakes at the front of the vehicle, it can be damaged by a simple stone, branch or light impact.
• Water pump: the water pump sensors sending the right amount to the cooling system can fail.
• LeCylinder head gasket : cylinder head gasket is used to protect the combustion chamber and cylinder block from hot gases, acting as a seal. Like all gaskets, it deteriorates and the consequences can be severe if not quickly replaced.

🔧 How to fix a coolant leak?

If you don't have homemade fiber and the necessary equipment, it will be difficult to fix a gasoline leak. coolant If you have some mechanical skills and the necessary tools, here are the repairs you can do.

Required material:

• Toolbox
• Spare parts
• Coolant

Solution 1: Replace damaged parts

A coolant leak can be caused by damaged parts of the cooling system, such as the cooling hose or radiator. In this case, you will have no choice but to replace these parts. Before replacing the hose or radiator, be sure to drain the circuit and then bleed the air from the cooling circuit after replacing the part.

Solution 2: put on a leak guard

If you notice micro-leaks on your radiator, a leak protector is a quick and effective solution.

Our last tip: remember to check the fluid level regularly because your sensor may be faulty and not tell you the actual amount! If you do not take care of the loss of this fluid in time, the consequences can be even more serious for the condition of your car, but also for your wallet. So don't wait!