Using a coolant sealant can be an effective temporary solution to coolant leaks or small holes in your car’s cooling system. This product is available in both liquid and tablet form and can help seal leaks without the need to replace expensive components. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply coolant sealant, both liquid and tablet, to your car.
Liquid Leak Stopper
Necessary Materials
- Liquid leak stopper compatible with your vehicle's cooling system.
- Protective gloves.
- Safety glasses.
Procedure
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Preparation:
- Make sure the engine is cool before starting. Opening the radiator cap on a hot engine can cause serious burns from hot coolant escaping.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses to avoid contact with the coolant.
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Checking the Coolant Level:
- Check the coolant level in the radiator and expansion tank. If necessary, add coolant to bring it to the correct level.
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Adding Liquid Leak Stopper:
- Read the instructions on the leak stopper you purchased carefully, as the amount needed may vary depending on the volume of your car's cooling system.
- Pour the leak stopper directly into the radiator or, if the instructions indicate, into the expansion tank.
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Product Circulation:
- Restart the engine and let it idle for the time indicated on the product (usually 10 to 30 minutes). This will allow the sealant to circulate through the cooling system and find the leaks to seal.
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Check and Clean:
- After letting the engine run for the recommended time, turn it off and let it cool completely.
- Check the coolant level again and adjust if necessary.
- Check for leaks in the following days to ensure the stopper worked properly.
Leak Stop Tablets
Necessary Materials
- Leak stopper in tablets.
- Protective gloves.
- Safety glasses.
Procedure
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Preparation:
- As with liquid leak stopper, make sure the engine is cold before starting.
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Dissolving the Tablets:
- Some tablets require dissolving in water before use, while others can be placed directly into the radiator or expansion tank. See the specific product instructions for the correct procedure.
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Adding Leak Stopper:
- If the pads need to be dissolved, prepare the solution as directed and pour it into the cooling system.
- If the pads can be added directly, make sure they go into the radiator or expansion tank.
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Product Circulation:
- Start the engine and let it idle for the time specified in the product instructions.
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Check and Clean:
- Follow the same steps described for the liquid leak stopper to check the success of the application and clean if necessary.
Final Considerations
- Professional Assessment: Before using a leak stopper, consider having the leak assessed by a professional. In some cases, using a leak stopper may not be the best long-term solution.
- Regular Maintenance: After using a leak stopper, continue to monitor your cooling system regularly for any signs of new leaks or problems.
Using a leak stopper can be a great way to fix minor problems in your cooling system, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and take safety precautions when applying it.