How to Mend a Leaking Radiator

If your car's radiator leaks coolant, your engine could overheat, potentially permanently damaging it. Mend a leaking radiator as soon as you notice there is a leak to avoid extra repair costs. You can save money by fixing your radiator yourself, if you get to it in time, and avoiding the expense of buying a new one. There are several possible causes for a radiator leak. For instance, it could be caused by a faulty hose, the radiator cap or a crack in the radiator's core.

• 1

  Open the hood of the vehicle and check to see if there is a leak. With the engine cool, open the radiator cap to see if your coolant level is low. Another obvious sign is a green or orange puddle under your car. Keep in mind that radiator coolant will kill your pets, which will try to drink it because of its sweet smell.

• 2

  Locate the leak. Start the car and inspect your car's radiator and the hoses coming in and out of it.

• 3

  Replace any leaking hoses. If the leak comes from the radiator cap, replace the gasket. If that doesn't stop the leak, buy a replacement cap. If the leak originates from the body of the radiator, you can try fixing it with a cold weld epoxy. This is a temporary fix but can help in an emergency.

• 4

  Locate the crack in the radiator. Empty the coolant in the radiator and collect it in a container. You'll find a petcock at the bottom of the radiator; turn it with a wrench to drain the fluid. Clean the area around the crack, let it dry, and apply the epoxy. Let the epoxy dry. Refill the radiator and check for further leaks.