#Engine coolant leaking cracked

Never refill your coolant when your engine is hot. Continue to inspect your coolant reservoir for any signs of a leak. Start your engine and drive carefully to test whether there’s any air caught in your system. Refill your coolant, making sure to bleed any air out of the system, replace the plug and top off your coolant reservoir. You’ll need to perform additional repairs, or your new coolant will quickly become contaminated as well.

#Engine coolant leaking cracked

Inspect your drain pan for any signs of particles or contaminants, as these are most likely caused by a cracked radiator or compromised hose. Place a drain pan underneath and completely drain your old coolant.

It’s a good idea to have a mechanic to perform these steps, as there could also be an issue with your head gasket or radiator.įirst, locate the plug on the bottom of your radiator. If you’ve noticed any serious signs of damage to your radiator, or any unusual coloring to your coolant, it may be time to drain and replace it. They should include a guide that describes the different colors you may see and when to take action. These testers can be found at your local AutoZone and are easy to use. If it’s difficult to identify the color of your coolant, you can also use a coolant tester to determine the condition of your coolant system. These need to be repaired, or your new coolant may leak out. Other warning signs to look out for include cracked radiator hoses and an extremely low coolant level. These are all signs of contamination that may indicate more severe issues like a leak in your head gasket. However, if your coolant is colorless, rust-colored, has particles or is oily or sludgy, you’ll want to have it inspected by your local mechanic. Coolant comes in a range of colors, so it’s normal for it to be red, blue, yellow or green. The reservoir should be clear plastic, so you can easily see the level of coolant and the maximum fill line.īefore you top off your coolant, inspect your current coolant for any unusual coloring or contaminants. Some older vehicles don’t include a reservoir, but most modern vehicles have a small tank for filling and checking the coolant level. Open your hood and locate your radiator and coolant reservoir. You’ll also want to wait for it to completely cool down, as your radiator and coolant can become extremely hot. Make sure your vehicle is on level ground for accurate readings. Now that you know some of the warning signs to check for, it’s time to inspect your radiator and coolant reservoir.