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How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak

What you need

  1. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Open the Hood: step 1, image 1 of 2 How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Open the Hood: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • Pull up on the release lever to open the hood.

    • The release lever will be located on the driver's side, under the dashboard.

    • Underneath the Hyundai symbol in the front of the car, there will be a lever. Move the lever to the side to unlock the hood, then you should be able to lift the hood up.

  2. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Prop Open the Hood: step 2, image 1 of 2 How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Prop Open the Hood: step 2, image 2 of 2
    • Angle the hood prop into the hole on the underside of the car hood to keep it in place.

    • Ensure the hook is placed securely before releasing the hood to mitigate the risk of the hood falling.

  3. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Parts of the Car: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • This section is a reference photo of where to locate the different parts of the car we will be using in this guide!

    • This is the coolant reservoir, which holds your cars coolant to keep the engine from overheating during use.

    • This is the radiator cap that is connected to the radiator. The cap itself regulates the pressure in the radiator to prevent overheating!

  4. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Open the Radiator Cap: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • Open the radiator cap.

    • Turn car off and wait 30+ minutes. This ensures the coolant is not at a dangerous temperature and pressure while opening the radiator cap.

  5. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Fill the Coolant Tank: step 5, image 1 of 2 How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Fill the Coolant Tank: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Take the cap off, pour the coolant into the tank then close the cap.

    • The cap should be marked "Coolant" or as it says in the picture, "Engine Coolant." Consult your vehicle's service manual if you are unable to confirm this.

    • Make sure you choose the correct coolant. Different climates require different antifreeze mixtures.

    • Do not overfill your coolant. Check your service manual to see how much is needed. A fill line may be referenced on the coolant reservoir.

  6. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Start the Car: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • With the hood still open, start the car.

  7. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Add Radiator Sealant: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Slowly pour the entire K-Seal container into the radiator before closing the radiator cap.

    • K-Seal is used in this guide, however Bar's has been highly rated for it's reliability. You can purchase Bar's for your radiator here.

  8. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak, Start the Car: step 8, image 1 of 1
    • Leave the engine running for 10-15 minutes more.

    • This will let the K-Seal liquid run through and close the hole where the leakage was coming from.

  9. How to Fix a Car Radiator Leak: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • After turning the car off, recheck the quantity of coolant in the reservoir (refer to Step 5). Add more coolant if necessary.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

One other person completed this guide.

Radhika Hira

Member since: 01/19/21

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