Coolant leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, and its important to identify the cause of the leak to prevent further damage to your vehicle. Here are some common causes of coolant leaks:

1. Hole in the radiator: Corrosion within the radiator is one of the leading reasons that coolant leaks. As the tubes get older and weaker, sediment or debris may get inside that causes a leak. The sealing gasket between the tank and the radiator can also wear out, leading to a leak.

2. Blown head gasket: When a head gasket blows, it won’t be able to keep the engine oil and coolant separate, which can lead to engine failure.

3. Leaky radiator cap: The cap’s seal can deteriorate, allowing coolant to spill out.

4. Worn or loose hoses: Generally, small holes in your radiator hoses or loose connections between hoses and the cooling system are the most likely cause of an external coolant leak.

5. Punctures or cracks: Radiator leaks are sometimes the result of punctures caused by kicked-up stones. Radiators are made up of several separate tubes and tanks joined together, and sometimes those joints end up leaking, often due to old, acidic coolant eroding the joints. Other parts, such as hoses or the water pump, just get old and wear out, while others may crack due to the coolant freezing.

To identify the cause of the leak, you can check the coolant level in the expansion tank and fill it, then monitor the level to find out if you’re losing fluid. Once you’re sure that the leak is coolant, you can start pinpointing where it came from. If youre unsure about the cause of the leak, its best to take your vehicle to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair.