Factors Causing Car Radiators to Leak

JAKARTA, JANUARY 2025, Make sure the vehicle temperature is stable. However, while driving, Daihatsu friends may be surprised to see the engine temperature gauge needle on the speedometer panel spike up.

 Usually, this is a sign that the car engine is experiencing overheat, which can happen for several reasons. One of them is due to a leaking radiator.

So why can this vital component that channels and releases heat leak? There are several factors that could be the cause, here are some of them.

Read Also: Here are the Causes of Car Radiators Overheating & How to Overcome Them

Leaking Radiator Due to Foreign Objects

New vehicle owners may not be sure that the radiator has a leak seeing that the component is still in good condition. However, who would have thought that the device positioned in front of the engine with an open grille is vulnerable to foreign objects.

There is a risk of being hit by gravel, flying animals, or colliding with other foreign objects. It is not impossible for the grille or radiator wall to get damaged and eventually cause a leak.

Radiator Lifespan Depends on Maintenance

All components in a vehicle have a lifespan, including the radiator. However, its lifespan is determined by maintenance. If well-maintained, it can last up to 10 years. However, if not, usually around 5 years the radiator starts to have problems and needs to be serviced or replaced immediately.

Supporting Radiator Components Becoming Brittle

Vehicle owners whose vehicles have reached over 10 years should be more vigilant. The radiator's proximity to the engine usually makes its supporting components very likely to become brittle. Such as radiator hoses made of rubber, and even the reservoir tank made of plastic. Both of these materials, if frequently exposed to continuous heat, can trigger cracking, ultimately causing leaks in the radiator system.

Blocked Radiator Channels

A warning for Daihatsu friends who are used to using regular water and not diligently checking the radiator water condition. If often neglected, dirt will accumulate over time, potentially blocking the radiator water distribution channels. When blocked, heat from the engine cannot be transferred to the radiator's heat dissipation elements.

Read Also: 8 Recommendations for Good Car Radiator Coolant

It is advisable to check its condition every 30,000 km or 40,000 km, so that the radiator remains in optimal condition and performs at its best.