Radiator Sealant is a fast fix designed for a leaky radiator, gasket or hose. Thus, a chemical that when applied to the walls of a radiator will form a coating over any small holes or “pinpricks,” thereby keeping the radiator from leaking. It in-turns allow your vehicle to run long enough to get to a proper repair shop.
However, while it’s an aftermarket additive, some car manufacturers use it on new radiators to help improve the seal between new radiator components. If you’re wondering how to use the sealant, don’t worry it is not difficult to use. This article will unveil how to use the Product, how it works etc.
Radiator Sealant
Having knowledge of how to use Radiator sealant is an essential skill if you are concerned about one day being stranded along the highway with a cracked radiator.
There are different types of Radiator sealants in the market today. However, these products have the same basic component. Below are common components found in most radiator stop leak additives;
- Ceramic fibres and particles
- Sodium silicate
- Aluminium, copper and iron particles
However, you mustn’t see all of these ingredients in a single radiator stop leak product. Some include other ingredients that target other common radiator issues or assist these particles and fibres in forming a seal.
How Does Radiator Sealant Work?
Every radiator sealant works in a little different way. But the end result is similar, filler particles, ceramic fibres, and sodium silicate all attempt to seal by hardening and solidifying where the leak is occurring.
However, another area where this product can help is with your car’s Heater Core. A Heater Core is basically a small radiator inside the cabin of the car, it radiates engine heat for heat in the winter. These heater Cores can suffer leaks similar to a radiator and are much, much more labour-intensive to repair.
Fillers, including ceramic, metallic, or organic, circulate through your radiator and are forced into the gap in your radiator piping when the system is under pressure. These particles help to bind and create a temporary seal.
Furthermore, ceramic fibres use a micro-sphere nano-technology approach to create a more fibrous patch in your radiator.
The sodium silicate, also known as liquid glass, melts at around 212 to 221 degrees Fahrenheit. As the liquid circulates your cooling system, it reaches a leak in a hot portion of your engine. And when it reaches the correct temperature, it melts to form a hard seal.
How to Use Radiator Sealant
Find out how to use radiator stop leak and when you can effectively use the product, following the guide below;
Buying Radiator Sealant
Radiator sealant is available at different automotive product companies. One time tested formula is that of Stop Leak. Stop Leak is one of the most widely recognized formulas for helping to patch a leaking radiator.
Pouring the product into the radiator
Go to your radiator. Then pour the recommended amount (normally one full bottle) of the product into the radiator. Just unscrew the radiator cap and pour it in without draining any coolant out.
Adding radiator fluid
Add radiator fluid through the radiator cap. Add it until the level of coolant is equal to the amount recommended by the manufacturer.
Starting the Car
Start the car and then, allow the engine to warm up. This will circulate the plastic sealant through your cracked radiator and help to plug any small pinholes as well. However, you can run the car for approximately 5 to 10 minutes to thoroughly coat the radiator.
Fill the radiator and Allow the Car to stay Overnight
The last step is to fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant to top off the cooling system. Allow the car to stay at least 12 hours so that the radiator sealant can set up properly.
Important Considerations
Not all problems are radiator sealant problems. For you to determine whether or not to use radiator sealant, there are things to consider in a pinch or an emergency situation, radiator sealant does exactly as it is supposed to do, which is to stop the leaks.
Note; the product is not a permanent fix as the plastic sealant will eventually wear out and the leak will return. But In case you are stranded alongside the road or need to drive the vehicle to a repair shop, utilizing radiator sealant is one of the best ways to avoid damage to your engine components.
Products like “Stop Leak” are easily administered to your coolant system and can save the day if your vehicle breaks down along the side of the highway and you have no means of getting help. So as a driver, you need to have this product in your car in case of emergency.
How To Buy A Radiator Sealant
To buy This product you can visit nearby automotive stores or visit online stores like Amazon.
To purchase from Amazon go to https://www.amazon.com/Radiator-Sealers/b?ie=UTF8&node=15719601
On the Amazon website, you will see different types of Radiator sealants. Locate the one you want and add it to the cart. Then follow the on-screen directives to Checkout.
