We like to write about our radiator stop leak products a lot on this blog (we are known for cooling system repair solutions, after all!), but some of you might want to know exactly how they work! Thanks to a time-tested and proven chemical formulation, our radiator stop leak products make quick work of stopping minor-to-moderate radiator leaks for good.

Unlike products from years ago that simply gummed-up holes as a temporary fix (and often gummed up coolant passages and heater cores at the same time!), our radiator stop leak won’t cause any degradation in the flow or performance of your radiator. We always instruct customers to install our products into a clean cooling system, which sometimes means a flush will be useful. Why? Installing any chemical product into a dirty or partially-clogged system isn’t advisable, and can cause more problems downstream.

Read More

We don’t often think about our cooling systems. We fire up our vehicles and drive to where we need to go. On top of regular checks of your engine oil, tires and brakes, it’s a good idea to add your cooling system to your vehicle maintenance checklist. A clean and efficient cooling system not only helps extend the life of your vehicle, but it can also help avoid costly overheating or breakdown issues that occur due to cooling system negligence. The #1 reason we hear about that get people stuck on the side of the road is – you guessed it – cooling system problems. Let’s give some attention where it’s due.

Read More

You probably know this, but we’ll say it anyway: the radiator at the front of your vehicle is probably THE  key component in your cooling system. As hot engine coolant is pumped through, your radiator uses exterior air (either while you’re driving or from a fan) to cool the coolant so that it can be pumped back into the engine and remove more heat. This hot/cold cycle continues as long as your engine is running.

Understanding how your radiator works can help you find ways to protect it. From physical damage to internal debris and corrosion, there are many factors that can degrade the performance of your radiator or even cause a leak. We’ve put together this list of ways you can protect your radiator and ensure proper cooling. Consider these points and be proactive to keep your radiator in good shape for as long as you own your car.

Read More

Transmissions – arguably the hardest-working component of your car.

Transmissions are heavily dependent on lubrication to prevent damaging friction and heat build-up. The high pressures in modern transmissions can turn a small leak into a major one very quickly, which can lead to time-consuming, expensive repairs. Here are three telltale signs of a transmission leak that, when detected early, give you the opportunity to avoid a hefty repair bill. We talk to customers about problems such as this every day on our tech lines.

1. Drops on the Ground: Spotting drops before they become puddles is a good thing. Fresh transmission fluids are usually colored red, but can also be green, amber, or even have a bluish tint. Transmission fluids with a brownish tint and a lightly burnt odor indicate a transmission that’s beginning to experience operating problems. A few drops of any color aren’t necessarily a major problem, but it is a sign of the start of a leak. Our advice? Catch it early.
2. Low Transmission Fluid Level: Older vehicles usually include a dipstick for checking the transmission fluid level (these levels on many newer vehicles can only be checked by a mechanic because the transmission is sealed). With the engine running and the transmission in park, check the fluid level. It should be between the minimum and maximum lines. A level lower than the minimum indicates a leak.
3. Drivability Issues: Even if no leaks have been detected, there are drivability issues that can indicate transmission leaks. A transmission that hunts, slips, shifts roughly or bogs down can be a sign that the transmission fluid level is low.

Once you’ve determined a vehicle has a transmission leak, it’s important to act fast. Should the transmission seal or one of the lines fail, the vehicle could lose all its transmission fluid and leave the driver stranded on the side of the road. When caught early, transmission leaks can be stopped easily and inexpensively with a proven chemical repair.

For Leaky Manual or Automatic Transmissions

Over time, transmission seals, gaskets and O-rings tend to dry out and shrink. Bar’s Leaks Transmission Stop Leak Concentrate (p/n #1420) is formulated to stop transmission leaks by revitalizing these seals, gaskets and O-rings, making them soft and pliable again. It works in all manual or regular automatic transmissions, including continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). It is compatible with all petroleum-based transmission fluids, including synthetics. Bar’s Leaks Transmission Stop Leak is easily installed through the dipstick tube or through a fill plug.

For Automatic Transmissions with Leak and Performance Issues

Bar’s Leaks Automatic Transmission Repair (p/n #1400) is specially designed to stop seal and gasket leaks caused by normal transmission wear and age. This multifunctional premium product also restores transmission performance by reducing rough shifting and friction, eliminating slip, controlling temperature, and repairing shudder, chatter and whining. It is easily installed through the dipstick tube or through a fill plug. Do not use in CVT transmissions.

Questions about what product is right for you? No worries. We have a technical support team, based here in the US, that is ready to help you. Contact us on the web or call us at 800-345-6572, and we can help you address that transmission leak before it becomes an expensive problem.

Your cooling system requires a clean and stable coolant (also called antifreeze) mix to ensure proper cooling. Over time, coolant can strip impurities and particles from your engine components (a byproduct of standard daily operation) and create corrosive sludges and deposits. Given enough time, these deposits can build up and block coolant channels in your engine or cause corrosion of various components and gaskets.

A regular cooling system flush is the best way to ensure you’ve removed all of the dirt and contamination from your engine’s cooling system and are starting new with fresh, properly mixed coolant. Cooling system flushes are often ignored (trust us, we hear horror stories about this on our tech line), so don’t fall into this trip. Consider a flush a detox for your entire cooling system.

Read More