You have probably seen this on TV: an angry motorist stranded on the side of the road while white smoke billows out from under their hood — the victim of an overheated engine. Regardless of the weather or season, your radiator is always working while you drive, and being able to identify the causes of potential problems will help you avoid the expense of repairing an overheated engine. Cookeville Radiator Shop in Cookeville, TN, has been reliably servicing radiators since 1935, and they share the most common causes for radiator leaks.

7 Common Causes Of Radiator Leaks

1. Broken Radiator Cap

A compromised cap will reduce the pressure in your radiator system, causing collapsed hoses and slow leaks. A simple visual inspection will diagnose a faulty radiator cap, and replacements are inexpensive.

2. Cracked Reservoir

The coolant reservoir is for overheated coolant and water, but any crack or leak will cause your car to lose coolant over time. Thankfully, this is a fairly easy and cheap part to replace.

3. Broken or Cracked Hoses

Hoses in your radiator convey coolant throughout the system, but over time, they can become brittle and crack. Pinch the hoses to see if they are stiff or brittle and, with the engine running, visually examine them for leaks.

4. Radiator Leak

A cracked or otherwise compromised radiator might require a full system replacement, which can be very expensive. If you notice a pool of coolant everywhere you park, bring your car to a trustworthy mechanic to explore a radiator repair.

5. Water Pump Failure

Your car’s water pump consists of numerous gaskets and valves that might break down over time. A water pump failure is best diagnosed and corrected by an experienced radiator repair shop.

6. Blown Head Gasket

If your car’s head gasket fails, coolant leaks into the crankcase, affecting the engine oil and spark plugs. Symptoms include engine misfires or discolored motor oil and can result in catastrophic engine failure if not remedied. 

7. Faulty Heater Core

The heater core is like a mini radiator that powers the defroster and heats the car cabin. An abnormal amount of moisture in your car or a non-functioning heater could indicate a faulty heater core. This is another part that should only be worked on by an experienced radiator repair shop.

While there are a few potential radiator problems that can be diagnosed and fixed at home, bring your car into a repair shop if you are not 100% certain about the source and solution to the problem. If you notice coolant collecting underneath your car or a quick drop in coolant level, call Cookeville Radiator Shop at (931) 526-2013 or visit them online.