Cause for Coolant Leak: Where is the Fluid Coming From?

November 12, 2024
Cause for Coolant Leak

The engine maintains its optimal operation temperature through a straightforward method. First, the liquid flows over the engine block, absorbing the heat generated. Then, it returns through the cooler, releasing and distributing the collected heat, ready to be recirculated to continue the process. There are a couple of reasons why your vehicle’s coolant level might be low; moreover, you cannot always blame the leak.

For example, you might just have changed the coolant, and the airlocks in the system are now cleared, and the coolant needs to be topped up to the correct level.

However, if you haven’t renewed the coolant, the culprit might be the leak either from the radiator or elsewhere. The coolant is present in a sealed system, so usually, the coolant level does not change if it is checked when the engine is cold. When the engine is warm, its level rises as water expands when it’s hot and falls back to the mean level as it cools down.

Causes for Engine Losing Coolant with No Leak, No Overheating 

Some of the common reasons for an engine to lose coolant with no visible leak signs include:

  • Internal leakage of the head gasket into the combustion chambers.

  • Worn turbocharger seal leaking into the exhaust system.

  • Pressurized coolant seeps out of the radiator cap as steam.

  • The coolant leak is too small to notice and might evaporate. 

What are the Two Types of Coolant Leaks?

  1. External – If you notice a leak on a hose, engine block, or radiator and see coolant leaking from the bottom of the car, it is an external leak.

  2. Internal – if you cannot see any puddles beneath the vehicle, but your coolant is dripping, it’s probably an internal leak that has occurred, which means your coolant is leaking into the engine.

What Causes External Car Coolant Leaks?

Here are some of the possible causes for an external leakage of your car coolant:

  • Coolant Pump Seal Leaking

The coolant pump has a tightly-clasped seal that prevents it from leaking past the bearing. If the seal is not functioning correctly, the coolant can seep out where the coolant pump pulley shaft enters the pump housing. If the pump gasket fails, a leak can occur between the engine block and the pump. 

  • Radiator Leak

Stone chips and deterioration can be the radiator’s worst enemy. The issue is that if the radiator leak is small, the coolant can evaporate even before pooling on the floor, not letting you find its precise location. So, if you cannot find the apparent radiator leak, look for small puffs of steam missing from the radio when your car is hot. You might momentarily be able to smell the coolant in the engine bay. 

  • Split Coolant Hose

Even the tiniest pinprick in a hose can cause a coolant leak. Sometimes, this leak can only be observed when the engine is hot. When a car is just ticking, there isn’t enough pressure in the system for the leak to be apparent. However, you can see coolant leak symptoms around the leak area as it leaves behind a colored residue. If you take a good look around the engine, you will be able to see more significant splits. The splits can also be caused by metal clips that secure hoses.

  • Heater Matrix Leaking

Your vehicle’s coolant keeps you warm in the winter through the heater matrix. The heater matrix is mounted behind the dashboard and occasionally leaks. Because of its concealed location, finding a leak can be difficult. However, if you have recently noticed condensation and coolant loss on the inside of the window, the matrix might be at fault.

What Causes Internal Car Coolant Leaks?

If the coolant level drops without any external leak, then the coolant leaks from inside, trickling into the engine. If your vehicle has been overheated recently, it can cause the head gasket to fail. If that’s the case, it can cause coolant to leak into the combustion chamber because of the mixture of fluids.

Signs for Internal Gasket Failure

Common signs of internal gasket failure include:

  • Coolant mixed with the oil.

  • Overheating vehicle.

  • White smoke comes out of the exhaust, even when the engine runs optimally.

  • Coolant bubbling.

  • Dripping water from the exhaust manifold.

  • Knobbly running and poor starting of your vehicle.

  • Air Pockets in the Cooling System.

The head gasket leak can be analyzed by testing for hydrocarbons in the coolant system. You will know the gasket is blown if there is a presence of hydrocarbons.

Read more, click here to learn about can we put water instead of coolant?

Unable to Find Coolant Leak? Here is How You Can Stop Your Car from Losing Antifreeze

Not sure where the antifreeze goes? Here is how you can find and fix the issue’s source. 

  • Check Coolant Reservoir Levels 

 If you notice any symptoms of coolant leak with no visible symptoms of coolant loss or no visible leaks, then it is preferable to check the reservoir before driving any further. If you cannot find any visible leaks, you should not start the engine again until you can derive the fault and add more coolant. 

  • Find the Source of the Leak With UV Dye 

To know where the leak is coming from, the best option is a UV detection dye that is poured directly into the radiator. As the dye circulates through the cooling system, leaked coolant in your car will become visible under black light. 

For internal leaks, UV dye is ineffective, requiring you to do a leak-down test. This test will consist of injecting compressed air into the cylinder and gauging the amount that leaks out. 

  • Consult a Professional 

If a bad radiator cap is the cause of a coolant leak or a collapsed hose, you can buy the parts from any auto shop and replace them yourself. However, if the head gasket is cracked or faulty or you can’t find the coolant leak, you may want to consult a professional. The average repair costs for coolant leakage in your car can range from around $200-$400. Depending upon the size of the leak and its location, you might also want to consider using a radiator stop-leak product; they are used to fix damages in the radiator, and the seal leaks in aluminum, metal, and plastic. 

However, the majority of manufacturers suggest you avoid using these products as they might cause engine issues and even long-lasting damage to your vehicle. 

Beware To Reduce Engine Damage:

Experiencing low coolant levels without any visible signs of leaks can be exhausting. However, it is essential to address this issue to prevent engine damage from overheating. You can start by checking visible signs of leaks, and if you cannot find any, consider the possibility of cap issues or internal leaks. Suppose you are unable to identify the problem yourself. In that case, you may seek assistance from a professional who can identify the cause and make necessary repairs to ensure your cooling system is in optimum condition. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure your vehicle’s cooling system is functioning optimally and protect your engine from potential damage. SAT Japan, the leading distributor for Used Cars for Sale, can also help you find high-quality vehicles with well-maintained cooling systems.

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Ethan Harper

I am Ethan Harper, a seasoned professional in the automotive industry with over two decades of experience in automotive technology and design. Known for my innovative contributions, I have led transformative projects, advancing sustainable mobility solutions.

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Kia Sorento 2025: Redesign, Specs, Range, Speed.

The 2025 Kia Sorento sports a new, aggressive stance, dressed in modern and sporty features. Redesign here is not just for appearance but also to serve a functional motive, which is to enhance aerodynamics as well as improve the driving experience. Currently, the front fascia of the Sorento bears a newly crafted grille, sleeker LED headlights, and a new bumper that is sharper and more robust. The back has also been worked on with redefined tail lights along with a more refined finish on the exhaust.

The 2025 Kia Sorento sports a new, aggressive stance, dressed in modern and sporty features. Redesign here is not just for appearance but also to serve a functional motive, which is to enhance aerodynamics as well as improve the driving experience. Currently, the front fascia of the Sorento bears a newly crafted grille, sleeker LED headlights, and a new bumper that is sharper and more robust. The back has also been worked on with redefined tail lights along with a more refined finish on the exhaust.

Kia Sorento 2025 Key Specs And Improvement

Exterior

The 2025 Kia Sorento sports a new, aggressive stance, dressed in modern and sporty features. Redesign here is not just for appearance but also to serve a functional motive, which is to enhance aerodynamics as well as improve the driving experience. Currently, the front fascia of the Sorento bears a newly crafted grille, sleeker LED headlights, and a new bumper that is sharper and more robust. The back has also been worked on with redefined tail lights along with a more refined finish on the exhaust.

Interior

The Sorento’s interior is a beautiful blending of both style and practicality with the modern design and subtle ambient lighting. It features high-quality stitched details mixed with adequate storage space to cater to the needs of families. With all interiors renovated through new quality materials, better technology integration, and a bigger interior, you get a large, high-resolution infotainment screen up to 12.3 inches on higher trims with easy integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cabin redesigns are done for greater second and third-row rooms making the Sorento a perfect family car.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2025 Sorento offers some flexible powertrain choices to cater to quite a few types of drives. The key innovative technologies used in the hybrid model will considerably enhance fuel efficiency, so the 2025 Sorento is sure to be among the most fuel-efficient models in its class.

  • The base variant has A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower through an 8-speed automatic transmission. As a non-turbo engine, it reaches 60 mph in about 10 seconds.
  • There is also a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out a massive 281 horsepower and also comes in an 8-speed automatic transmission. It has an impressive 0-60 mph acceleration of just under 7 seconds.
  • Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models come in a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor for up to 227 horsepower for the regular hybrid and 261 horsepower for the plug-in hybrid model. These powertrains will provide a more environment-friendly drive without losing power. The hybrid variant and the PHEV are expected to have a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 and 7.6 seconds respectively.

Despite impressive figures on performance and acceleration, Sorento’s towing capacity is not what you expect from full-size SUVs, but nevertheless, it can tow up to 4000 pounds which is still a great feat for a car in that category.

Electric Range and Fuel Efficiency

The 2025 Kia Sorento will have great fuel efficiency and boast a maximum electric range of up to 32 miles making it perfect for city commutes.

With both the electric motor and the gasoline engine, the total range easily surpasses 400 miles. Charging times are comparable and you can fully charge it in 3 hours using a Level 2 charger.

The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gives up to 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. The more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter four nets around 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. 

The hybrid model, although not offering quite the same electric range as the PHEV, gets excellent fuel economy, estimated above 35 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

Technology and Safety Features

The new 2025 Sorento is equipped with Kia’s latest DriveWise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. It is installed with the following technologies:

  • Blind-Spot Monitoring
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Lane-Keeping Assist
  • 360-degree Camera System (high trims)

Regarding these upgrades, Kia has been primarily concerned with the safety issues that will make the Sorento one of the safest vehicles in its class. On that, the infotainment system now comes with the upgrade feature via over-the-air software updates, which allows the car’s software to be upgraded at any time.

Trim Levels and Pricing

  1. Sorento LX

The base model starts at $33000 and includes key features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 17-inch alloy wheels, and base-level safety features including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

  1. Sorento S

Next up is the S which starts from $35000 and features heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, and dual-zone automatic climate control. 

  1. Sorento EX

All Sorentos get a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and additional safety and convenience features such as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. This model starts at $39000.

  1. Sorento SX

The SX is priced at around $43000. Its notable features include a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assist systems.

  1. Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD

The price for this trim starts from around $47,000 and includes notable features like ventilated front seats, Bose premium sound system, AWD, and cues for off-road styling with increased ground clearance at 8.2 inches to offer rugged performance.

  1. Sorento SX Prestige PHEV

This is the top-of-the-line variant that includes all the features and amenities of previous models and has a starting price of around $54000.

Kia Sorento 2025 Verdict

The 2025 Kia Sorento has much to offer. It is more aggressive, versatile, and wired with modern technology ready to deliver everything you need, whether you are looking for fuel efficiency, more space for your family, or just all-around performance. This is one of the finest choices in the mid-size SUV class. Not only are there further refinements to appearance, but with better performance and plenty of safety, this continues to be one of the best here.

Be The First To Get A Glimpse Of The Kia Sorento 2025 At SAT Japan

You can experience the awaited Kia Sorento 2025 now at SAT Japan – one of the most revered names in Japanese car exports. Whether you’re more into one of the eco-friendly plug-in hybrid models or the powerful turbocharged variants, SAT Japan brings you the latest models and allows you to get behind the wheel of the latest technology.

At SAT Japan, we take pride in being one of the leading exporters of Japanese cars in over 200 countries and simplifying the entire car buying journey for our clients by providing end-to-end services. We handle everything for you from the initial car hunting to custom clearance and the legal paperwork of finalizing the deal. To ensure customer satisfaction, we provide tailored guidance to help you make an informed decision and thoroughly inspect and test all our vehicles before being put on sale to meet the highest standards of quality. Moreover, you also get shipping arrangements as well as full transparency on prices. To explore more options, visit our website at satjapan.com and get in touch with our sales team to get your ideal car at the best price.

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What Causes Inner Tire Wear? A Detailed Guide.

The modern cars coming in the market are capable of remarkable speeds and give you a highly smooth and comfortable experience. The latest cars are also much safer and come up with advanced and autonomous systems that can stop and steer the vehicle for you in an emergency. However, all the safety and advanced features will not do anything if you have bad tires. For example, inside tire wear is an issue that can affect the tires of many cars rolling on the road.  It is not just about purchasing low-quality tires; it is also about not ensuring their proper maintenance. 

Tire wear is a common problem that can affect your vehicle’s handling, safety, and performance. Although inner tire wear might seem harmless, it can lead to various serious issues, including reduced traction, poor steering response, and even blowouts. 

But why do tires wear out from the inside, and how can you prevent it?

By understanding the factors that contribute to inner tire wear, you can increase the life of your tires and keep them performing at their best. 

Causes Behind Tires Wear on Inside 

There are several reasons why your tire can wear from the inside. Below we discuss some of the reasons in detail. 

  1. Camber Angle Issues 

Misaligned wheels can lead to irregular tire wear. When the bottom part of the tire is leaning towards the outside, it is called a negative camber. Positive camber is when the top part of the tire is leaning towards the outside.

When there is improper alignment in the tires,  the inner part of the tire makes more contact with the road surface. Because of that, you might observe the inside of the front tires wearing down. 

  1. Misaligned Wheels 

Poor wheel alignment can also mess up your camber. You can verify this by cruising on a flat section of asphalt. If your vehicle is not moving straight even after pointing the wheels at a 12 o’clock position, it means your wheels are not aligned properly. 

  1. Aggressive Driving 

Driving your vehicle aggressively puts a lot of stress on your tires. It can also overheat various components of the tires and wear the thread at a faster pace because of abrasion. Aggressive riding includes running your vehicle at maximum acceleration, hard cornering, and pushing brakes for prolonged periods. Tire wire showing is an indication of your tires being severely damaged. 

It is essential to note that, unlike race cars, standard vehicles are not designed to be driven aggressively all the time. The tires in race cars are specifically designed to give maximum gain and resolve steering on the road. However, other tires cannot keep up with constant beating from drifting and fast driving. 

  1. Damaged Suspension Components 

The suspension components of a vehicle are designed to not only absorb road shocks and vibration but also to make sure that the vehicle’s shock ride height remains the same. It is important because camber angles are directly affected by it, and it can increase inside tire wear. 

Suspension components such as springs can sag through regular use. Faulty or defective springs fail to absorb shocks and vibrations, which can damage other suspension components of the vehicle as well. 

Also, the defective spring can lower the vehicle’s stock ride height, which can change the camber angles. 

  1. Worn Control Arm Bushing

These components are made of rubber or elastomer and serve to link the chassis and steering knuckles. These bushings eliminate excess free movement within the vehicle, which can have a negative effect on camber angles. As a result of frequent use, the control arm bushing wears down gradually, leading to increased movement and more tire wear on the inside. 

How to Fix Inner Tire Wear?

It is crucial to fix the inner tire wear to avoid further damage to the vehicle’s components, such as ball joints and springs, and ensure more safety. 

Balance Your Tires Regularly

Get your wheel balanced after every one or two years. If you have installed new tires in the vehicle, you should get them balanced immediately to protect them from wearing out.

Repair or Replace Damaged Components

If you notice uneven tire wear, check your suspension system. Damage to the suspension system can accelerate the inner tire wear, resulting in future problems such as a decrease in vehicle speed and expensive repairs.

How Do You Prevent Tires from Wearing on the Inside and Outside?

Innerwear on tires occurs when the driver does not maintain their tires regularly. Just like your vehicle, your tires require extra care to give you a safe ride. 

  • Check the Pressure of Your Tires Regularly 

Regularly check the tire pressure of your vehicle. It is an important practice because understated tires can cause the sidewall to flex, which can lead to instability at higher speeds. Also, underinflation can cause other problems, including cracked rubber, tread separation, bulges, and more. If the tires are overinflated, they can bulge in the center, causing increased wear in that area.

 Therefore, it is preferable to check the tire pressure once every month, especially after large temperature changes. 

  • Inspect the Suspension Components and Repair if Required

If you notice damage on any of the suspension components, it is important to get your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. Doing that will resolve the issue and your car will also stay safe. 

  • Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle 

Tire wearing on the inside can also occur as a result of overloading. It is important to adhere to the vehicle weight limits mentioned by the manufacturers. Overloading includes passing extra passengers, carrying excessive cargo, or towing large tailors, which can put stress on the components of the tire. 

Bottom line 

Tires wearing on the outside and inside can seriously affect the handling and safety of your vehicle. You can avoid internal tire damage with a routine inspection of your suspension system and alignment and by taking proper care of your tire. It is also important to get your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic every once in a while. 

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Benefits of Installing Straight Pipe Exhaust into Your Car.

There are a lot of parts that go into making your vehicle run fast and look its best. The engineers have spent years and years tuning car emission systems to personalize the sound a vehicle makes when it’s on the road. However, when it comes to riding, not everyone wants to have a quiet ride, and for that, you can modify your vehicle’s straight pipe exhaust system and alter the sound your engine produces. 

A very exciting modification for car owners currently is the straight exhaust system, particularly for people who want to improve the performance of their ride. One reason car owners choose it is its greater functionality in compression compared to stock exhaust. The reduced backpressure supports greater functionality, resulting in increased engine performance. 

If you are wondering if a straight-pipe exhaust system is right for you, keep reading to learn the pros and cons of installing one in your vehicle.

What is a Straight Pipe Exhaust?

Straight pipe exhaust is becoming one of the most common modifications among car fans who enjoy the roar of their engine along with the additional power of their vehicles. Unlike standard exhaust systems, straight-pipe exhaust systems do not have a resonator, muffler, or catalytic converter. You can witness this type of exhaust in racing cars and other high-performance vehicles. 

The exhaust system allows the fumes to flow freely from the engine’s exhaust headers, allowing them to go into the atmosphere directly through the exhaust tip. They increase the horsepower of your engine because there are no restrictions on the exhaust, and the gases to flow freely.

What are the Benefits of Installing a Straight Pipe Exhaust?

There are many reasons for considering a straight pipe exhaust for your vehicle, including: 

  • Increased Performance 

The prime reason why many people choose straight pipe exhaust is because these systems increase your vehicle’s horsepower and torque. These systems also reduce the back pressure from the engine, allowing the exhaust gases to move freely and assisting the engine to perform without any hindrances. This mode is particularly designed for sports vehicles as it does not hinder gas flow and enhances the car’s performance. 

  • Engine’s Original Sound 

The straight pipe lets the true sound of the engine come out. Normally, there are mufflers, catalytic converters, resonators, and other similar components present to reduce the sound of the engine. However, straight pipe exhaust allows the raw and pure sound of the engine to come out. 

  • Less Weight 

When a vehicle’s weight is reduced, it becomes faster and more efficient. Mufflers and catalytic converters weigh a lot, and if you love racing, you surely would want to have a lighter vehicle. A straight pipe exhaust weighs much less than the original exhaust. 

  • Aesthetic Appeal 

Straight pipes also give an aesthetic look to your vehicle and make it stand out. To make the vehicle look more appealing, you can apply a chrome finish to the exhaust tip. To give additional colors to the tip, various types of welding methods are used.  You can even go for a twin-pipe setup for even better aesthetics. 

  • Remarkable Fuel efficiency 

Without mufflers and a catalytic converter, the engine creates low back pressure, leading to better combustion. This also means lower fuel consumption. 

Cons of Installing a Straight Pipe Exhaust System 

Straight-pipe exhaust systems also have their own cons, including:

  • Rampant Emissions  

It’s true that straight pipes make a remarkable sound, but they are not great for the environment. In the late 20th century, catalytic converters came into the market to control the harmful gas emissions from cars into the environment. Removing catalytic converters can be really bad for the environment. 

  • Expensive 

Installing straight pipes can be expensive. New pipes are not cheap, and finding them at a good price is not easy, so most car enthusiasts go for custom-built exhaust pipes. Also, after installing a straight pipe exhaust system, you have to tune your car according to certain standards to get the most out of it. 

  • It Might Not be Legal

Modifying a vehicle to a straight-pipe exhaust system and removing mufflers and catalytic converters is not legal in many states in the US. However, it varies from state to state. Therefore, before installing an exhaust pipe in your exhaust, you should go through your state’s rules. 

  • Effects Resale Value

Customizing your vehicle can also make it harder to sell it at a high price in the future. An average buyer might not find pipe exhaust to be as valuable as you do. So, you might be forced to spend extra money on reinstalling a standard exhaust system or accept a low price when selling your vehicle. 

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Straight-pipe Exhaust?

The total cost of pipe exhausts depends on various factors, including the model of the vehicle, the materials used, and the length of the exhaust. Overall, you might have to pay around $200 to $1000 with a labor cost of about $100 to $600. 

Keep in mind that depending upon the customization and the mechanic, the cost can go much higher. Generally, it is preferable to get quotes before choosing a professional.