Temporarily Prevent Coolant Loss And Prepare A Kit That Contains Emergency Supplies

If you own a vintage car and its radiator tank has a small pinhole in it, leading to coolant loss after driving the car for long durations, you may be skeptical about the seriousness of the problem and the results that you may be bombarded with if you don't have the radiator repaired or replaced. Temporarily prevent coolant loss and prepare a kit that contains emergency supplies until you are able to have your vehicle serviced by a mechanic. 

Use A Liquid Or Powder Product To Stop The Leak

Purchase a liquid or powder product that is formulated to stop leaks. This type of product will specify on its packaging how much of the liquid or powder to use to fill the pinhole. The product should be added to the radiator's tank after your vehicle's motor has cooled down.

If you attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine is still hot, the pressure underneath the cap may cause the cap to fly off and hot liquid from the radiator may spill out and burn your skin if it comes into contact with your hands or face. After adding the required amount of the product to the tank, fill the rest of the tank with coolant.

Replace the radiator cap and close the car's hood. Start up the car and drive it around your neighborhood for a few minutes. As you are driving, the liquid or powder will mix with the coolant and form a seal in the tank, resulting in temporarily stopping coolant from leaking.

Pack An Emergency Kit

An emergency kit that contains supplies that will prevent your car from overheating in case the previous step was not effective will reduce the chances of you being stuck alongside the road.

Fill a small plastic tote with a jugful of coolant, a flashlight, a rubber gripping pad, and flares. If the temperature gauge in your car begins to rise quickly and you fear that your vehicle is at risk of overheating, pull over, turn your car off, and place the flares around your vehicle so that other motorists can see your car.

Once your car has cooled down, use the rubber gripping pad to remove the radiator cap. Aim the flashlight toward the tank so that you can determine if more coolant is needed. After filling the tank, replace the radiator cap and close the hood before easing your car back onto the roadway. 

Monitor The Coolant Level And Drive Short Distances

Monitor the coolant level in the radiator's tank each day before driving your car. Try to drive short distances and avoid driving your car down roads you haven't traveled previously or that are located in desolate areas. By staying on familiar roads that are populated, your chances of becoming stranded will be drastically reduced.

To learn more, contact an auto repair shop. 

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