5 Causes of Antifreeze Leaking

If you detect antifreeze leaking from the engine of your car, the wise move is to get it taken care of as soon as possible. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water flows around the engine during use, keeping it from overheating. A leak can mean trouble because eventually the radiator and the reservoir will run dry and lead to the destruction of the engine. While detecting an antifreeze leak can be difficult, there are a few places to immediately look. 

1. Radiator Hoses

A hose that run into or out of the radiator may be the culprit. Hoses crack and split with time, while the hose clamps that connect the hoses to the radiator can also fail.

2. Radiator Cap

The radiator cap is found on the top of the radiator. If damaged or if its seal is broken, it will no longer contain the pressure built up inside the radiator, causing fluid to leak.

3. Reservoir

This plastic container is an overflow reservoir for heated antifreeze and water. Should it have a small crack or hole, antifreeze will gradually leak out, meaning the reservoir will need to be replaced.

4. Radiator

It could also be that the radiator itself is leaking. This requires a costlier, more involved fix best left to a mechanic.

5. Other Possible Causes

Other possible causes for an antifreeze leak include the water pump, intake manifold gasket and heater core, all parts of the coolant system. Like a radiator replacement, these fixes should be undertaken by a pro.