Found a fluid puddle under your parked car? This is something a car owner fears to discover the most, but if you are reading this article, then you must already be in the situation. This can be due to a leak. Unfortunately, this problem is expensive to repair, especially if you have to replace the radiator. Here is the good news! Every problem comes with a solution, so does this one – a radiator stop leak sealant. It becomes relatively easy to repair a leak as you can add it directly to the cooling system. The clever mix of metal and ceramic particles in the sealant can seal the leak in no time.
For what you have heard about radiator stop leak and how exactly it works can force you to avoid it, but can you trust your ears on it?
Our favorite anti-leak sealants are listed below to pull you out of the confusion. At the end of the article, you will find the answers to your most frequently asked question to have a better idea of the most suitable radiators to stop the leak while you can save your hard-earned money.
10 Best Radiator Stop Leaks Reviews
1. Bar’s Leaks Liquid Aluminum
- Bar's Leaks Liquid Aluminum Stop Leak seals radiator leaks. Seals freeze plug leaks. Repairs gasket leaks and heater core leaks. Lowers water temperature.
- Seals radiator leaks
- Seals freeze plug leaks
- Repairs gasket leaks
- Special Shipping Information: This item cannot be returned and has additional shipping restrictions
2. Atp AT-205 Re-Seal Stop Leaks
- Professional strength fast acting resealer, stops leaks fast
- Rejuivinates all rubber seals & gaskets in engines, transmissions, power steering, differentials and hydraulic systems
- Compatible with conventional and synthetic oils, ATF, gear oil, power steering fluids and hydraulic oil
- Does not contain petroleum distillates, will not over-swell or breakdown seals
- 8oz bottle will treat a 6 quart capacity, adjust accordingly
3. K-Seal Permanent Coolant Leak Repair
- Permanent Coolant Leak Repair - Just Shake, Pour And Go.Fit Type: Universal
- Mixes With All Antifreeze
- No Draining Or Flushing
- Fixes Cracks And Leaks In Radiator, Head Gasket, Freeze Plugs, Cylinder Heads, Heater Core, Water Pump Casing And Engine Blocks
4. Bar Leaks HDC Radiator Stop Leak Tablet
- Seals leaks
- Conditions cooling system
- Inhibits rust and corrosion
- Lubricates water pump seals
- Helps control electrolysis
5. InterDynamics Radiator Leak Detector Dye
- Contains one application of radiator/engine cooling system UV leak detection dye
- Safe for use in all vehicle makes and models except 1996 and newer GM models that use DEX-COOL coolant
- Compatible with all types of antifreeze except GM dex-cool coolant
- Helps locate leaks
- Professional grade
6. Genuine GM ACDelco Cooling System Seal Tabs
- Non-toxic
- DEX-COOL compatible
- Engine application is based on liters of volume in cooling system
- Formulated for automotive use
- For use with all vehicles
7. Bar’s Leak Block Seal Intake And Radiator Stop Leak
- Seals larger leaks seals
- Repairs heater core leaks
- Repairs freeze plug leaks
- Repairs blown head gaskets
- Repairs blocks
8. BlueDevil Radiator And Block Sealer
- Permanent repair for radiator and block leaks.
- Works effectively on plastic, aluminum and/or metal radiators
- Contains no solids or fibrous materials.
- Safe and Easy to use.
- Guaranteed
9. Jb Welding Perm-o-seal Radiator Stop Leak
- JB WELD PERM O SEAL : Is a specially formulated non-toxic compound ground to a very fine particle size to quickly mix and flow into all areas of the cooling system to find and seal leaks.
10. Prestone Radiator Stop Leak
- Patented formula quickly stops leaks in radiators, water pumps, and heater cores
- Boosts corrosion inhibitors to protect against pitting and corrosion, which cause radiator leaks
- Combination of natural and synthetic components provides the ability to seal leaks up to 0.020" x 0.5"
- Seals even large leaks without interfering with the flow through the radiator or heater core
- Stops the leak as well as the corrosive condition that causes it
Best Radiator Stop Leak Buying Guide
When it comes to finding a solution for your vehicle problem all by yourself, people often find themselves in the maze of various products, amazed and scared of using them. Here we have compiled a list of products you can find in the market to help you and facilitate your task. Thank you later!
Things To Consider When Buying A Radiator Stop Leak
Many parts of your vehicle must be working perfectly for it to drive miles without a problem. You might think about battery, wheels, or engine here, but we tend to forget about the car radiator most of the time. A damaged radiator can make your car stop at any moment. It serves to cool down the engine with the help of liquid coolant. An overheated engine is usually the main reason behind a leaking vehicle.
As discussed above, we have provided you with the solution, which is purchasing a radiator stop leak to ideally seal the leak and prevent corrosion in the future. You will find different radiator sealants in the market. It can be difficult to choose which one is best for you. So, here are some things that you should consider while selecting one.
Do you know anything about mechanics?
It is not difficult to add a radiator sealant in the cooling system of your car, but if you don’t know how to handle it with gasket and exhaust, then the best way to get this done is to find a professional or at least a friend who can offer you a little advice.
Budget:
You will find different sealants in the market of varying prices. Based on your budget, make a selection, but if it is at the bottom of the ladder, so it that a compromise on quality?
Does it require flushing of the cooling system?
Some sealants need flushing of the cooling system before use, while others can be added directly to the system. Mixing with existing fluids doesn’t make a difference. Check this before purchasing.
Whether it is compatible with your vehicle?
If the sealant is not compatible with your car, it may damage your vehicle. Checking before buying so you don’t invest in something which is not compatible with your vehicle. Each product has its specification listed.
Does the product belong to a trusted brand?
You don’t actually pay to buy the cheapest variant. Look at the brand before making a purchase, read the reviews, and make sure you get something that has a proven market record.
Confirm about the leak:
Are you sure about the leak? This might appear like something really obvious, but did you actually checked for the leak? If there is liquid on the floor under the vehicle, this can happen due to leak, but it is better to be 100% sure before searching for the solution. UV dyes can help you detect leaks and are worth buying for confirmation. Just keep in mind that you would need a special black UV light to show the liquid with most of these dyes.
Size of the leak:
For a relatively smaller leak, the sealant is likely to solve the problem and prevent future issues. However, if the leak is large, you will need double the amount of fluid or take it to the professional.
Leaking Concerns to Remember!
Radiator leak repair products should be used as soon as the leak appears first. The longer you leave the problem with cars, the worse it will get. So if you suspect a leak in your radiator or you are sure about it, then it’s best to make a move as soon as possible.
Leaks in your vehicle could be present in a variety of places. It’s not your engine every time, but it can also be the water pump and head gasket. Repairing your radiator for a leak from inside is next to impossible without using a radiator stop leak, which is the quickest and cheapest method for repairing a leak.
If you suspect a leak in your car to be large, then take your vehicle to a professional because most radiator sealants are relatively made to mend small leaks. If you are not sure where the leak is, you should also consult an expert. Be sure about the size and location of the leak and if the sealant is permeant or not.
Different Types of Radiator Stop Leak
Today you will find various products in the market to seal a leaking radiator with many different options that provide different functions and to know which one is the right choice can be difficult. Stop leak formulations now consist of various chemicals that can permanently seal your leak. Many products are made from steel, aluminum, and copper, which they bond to form a seal. There are also liquid forms and tablets that offer protection against varying degrees of the leak. Check the compatible material for your radiator before buying a sealant for the leak.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiator Stop Leak
Q. What is a radiator stop leak?
When you first detect a leak in your vehicle, you can use a leak sealer for it. This product is supplied in liquid or compressed form to be used not only to seal leaks but also to form a protective layer to prevent further damage. There are many different types of radiator sealants in the market, depending on its strength, constituents, and price.
You will find some brands at the forefront when it comes to radiator stop leak products. It is better to trust a reputed brand when deciding the best product for your vehicle. Some radiator leak products can be poured directly into the cooling system, while others require flushing the system in advance.
Although radiator stop leaks are often referred to as permanent, not in fact 100% permanent, albeit. If something creates a leak in your system, a high-quality sealant can seal it. No doubt, it will come back down the line at some point. Of course, it’s a bigger problem if you have a huge puddle of liquid under a parked car, a bigger problem. However, it should be considered as an economical solution but not a permanent one.
Q. Should I drain the cooling system after using the radiator stop leak?
There seems to be a lot of confusion about draining the cooling system after using the radiator leak. It depends on the product you have purchased; there is no specific rule that works for all. Most sealants do not require the cooling system to be drained after adding a radiator stop leak. These products are specially designed to stay in the system and protect it from further damage. The cooling system may drain the added fluid. But if you re-detect the leak soon after drainage, seek individual product advice, and if in doubt, consult a professional.
Q. After how long will I find the results?
All radiator stop leak is made from different materials. Some work faster than others, while some will need at least a few hours to work over a hot engine to seal the leak. It depends on the materials used in the sealant, while most of the sealant claim forming a bond within minutes. Check before purchasing the sealant.
Q. What is the recommended dosage?
It is mentioned on the packaging of each product how much you would need to seal the leak. The dosage depends on your vehicle, the product used, and also the size and number of leaks. You have larger leaks; you will need several applications to form a strong bond. It is always better to have more products in your garage than you expected because you never know when you will need to fix the car due to an unwanted leak.
Our Top Pick
It’s not easy to choose the best sealant to a stop leaking radiator. We understand that every vehicle is different, and so is the size and complexity of all leaks. The product we thought most suitable for various vehicles and leaks is Bar’s leaks liquid aluminum stop leak. This is our best selection. It is one of the most famous brands in the market and is leading the industry, so we are confident about their products. These guys really know their work.
You can use it over leaks, freezing plug leaks, gasket leaking, and heating core from its formulation containing liquid aluminum and a material called Xtreme cool. Not only this combination treats the leaks but also conditions the system as mentioned above. For other products, leaks can take up to five hours, whereas it works in a full 20 minutes or less. So, this is the fastest product you can find in the market.
