Signs of a Damaged Cooling System & What You Can Do to Prevent It

Let’s talk about your car’s cooling system. You know it’s there and what it’s supposed to do, but it’s one of the most neglected components in your car.

With the hot summer temperatures coming for us, knowing the symptoms of a sick or damaged cooling system are critical to your summer plans, since cooling system failure is a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns. The most noticeable symptoms are:

  • Leaks
  • Overheating
  • A slightly-sweet smell of antifreeze
  • Having to add coolant regularly

Let’s go back to how often cooling systems are neglected. Trust us – we hear it from customers every week.

Neglecting your cooling system can result in major damage and, if things get bad enough, even total engine failure. If your cooling system doesn’t receive regular maintenance, it’s not a question of whether it will fail, but rather when will it fail.

What does my cooling system do, exactly?

The primary job of the engine’s cooling system is to remove the heat that is generated during the combustion process. Your car’s coolant temperature can be well over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and since the laws of thermodynamics can’t be ignored, that heat has to go somewhere, otherwise you’re looking at engine components damage and/or failure. 

The key parts of your cooling system remove the heat from the engine and “vent” it to the outside air. Here’s how it works, in a nutshell: your water pump circulates coolant through the engine. The coolant absorbs heat and returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated into the outside environment. Your thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent. If things get too hot, your radiator fan kicks on to maintain the radiator’s efficiency levels.

Here’s where things get sticky: the most important factor that decides the replacement of cooling system components is the frequency of regular maintenance. This means things such as coolant changes at scheduled intervals. Likewise, periodic coolant flushes are critical to cooling system maintenance as fresh coolant/antifreeze helps the engine run cooler and a flush does exactly what it sounds like – it removes dirt and other particulate matter that could lead to further cooling system problems.

OK, so I have a clean cooling system. Is there anything I can do to help with future protection so I don’t have problems down the road?

Yep, there is, and it’s insanely cheap and easy to install.

Bar’s Leaks Radiator Stop Leak Tablets (part # HDC) is one of our most legendary products. They inhibit the formation of rust and scale, neutralize pH imbalance, control electrolysis, lubricate and seal internal, external and coolant-to-oil leaks.

 Imagine getting that range of effectiveness in a product you can buy off the shelf rather than through service only a mechanic or dealership can provide. In fact, this is the same product that’s been used right on the assembly line by OEM automakers around the world for 30+ years. These tablets are the result of careful research and testing on the part of our team of top-flight chemical engineers. These folks work each day to improve existing products like our radiator leak repair tablets, as well as to develop new products to keep up with the latest in automotive innovations and technologies.

What exactly are the benefits of Bar’s Leaks Radiator Stop Leak Tablets?

A quick rundown of this product’s benefits is below. As you can see, this product covers every single base needed to keep your cooling system performing in top shape. These easy-to-use tablets:

  • Are a professional-strength formula
  • Work with all coolants
  • Are OEM-used and -approved
  • Seal any leaks and seepage
  • Help control electrolysis
  • Lubricate the water pump seal
  • Inhibit rust & corrosion
  • Are harmless to ALL plastic, metal and aluminum hoses and connections
  • Work with ALL types and colors of antifreeze coolant, including conventional, extended life, waterless and even straight water

If you have a clean cooling system but want to ensure no problems will arise for years to come, this is what we recommend to every customer. Consider Bar’s Leaks Radiator Stop Leak Tablets not just a repair product, but also an affordable insurance policy against future problems.

Remember, cooling system problems are a leading cause of breakdowns, especially in extreme hot or cold temperatures. And our 75+ years of experience in this business has taught us that most people don’t think about their cooling systems until it’s too late and they’re dealing with a problem or expensive mechanic repair bill.

Bar’s Leaks Radiator Stop Leak Tablets are an industry standard, affordable, and incredibly easy to use. If OEMs trust them, you should too. Don’t be one of the thousands of customers who call us every year as they face down a damaged cooling system.

It’s cheap insurance for one of your car’s most overlooked components.

Where to buy

Bar’s Leaks Radiator Stop Leak Tablets are available at many automotive parts retailers, including Amazon, Walmart.com, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts and NAPA Auto Parts.

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