Coolant Loss

[Timmyboy]

Hi Guys,

Quick question - the coolant alarm sounded a couple of weeks ago when I when over a speed bump a little too fast. No problem, the coolant was pretty much smack on the 'low' level so I topped it up to the usual 'max' mark.

2 weeks and around 50 miles later, the alarm went off today when the car was pointing down a fairly steep hill. Sure enough, when checking the coolant it is now just below the 'low' mark.

Is it possible for this much coolant to evaporate given the stupidly hot weather we've just had, or have I developed a little coolant leak somewhere?

Any replies appreciated.

 

[Timmyboy]

I should point out (having read a couple of Leon owners reporting the same problem) that I've recently started a new job, meaning the car only travels just under 3 miles per day. Having said that, it was only travelling 10 miles per day in my last job

 

[stoneyfordNI]

is there a mayo type substance around the oil filler neck , or any stains on your driveway ,

on my 306 (dont laugh) i couldnt find the leak , until i popped the bonnet and open the throttle manually n sure enough a stream of fluid ( ooh matron) gushed from the rad ,

 

[Sam20v]

Hi Guys,

Quick question - the coolant alarm sounded a couple of weeks ago when I when over a speed bump a little too fast. No problem, the coolant was pretty much smack on the 'low' level so I topped it up to the usual 'max' mark.

2 weeks and around 50 miles later, the alarm went off today when the car was pointing down a fairly steep hill. Sure enough, when checking the coolant it is now just below the 'low' mark.

Is it possible for this much coolant to evaporate given the stupidly hot weather we've just had, or have I developed a little coolant leak somewhere?

Any replies appreciated.

The coolant system is a closed system. technically there should be no loss...... if there is any loss, it certainly shouldnt go down that fast in 2 weeks!
as well as looking at the oil filler neck, check your dipstick. the reason i say this is as your car is being run for small distances....it probably doesnt properly warm up. i get a small amount of cream round my filler neck because of condensation as the car is not warming up.....a good run usually clears this.....
i would however be concerned if there was cream on the dipstick....

To be going down that fast i would think you have a leak out of the system, a split pipe, leaking seals, or a crack in your radiator. hope you get it sorted.

 

[Timmyboy]

Thanks for the replies - I've checked the filler and the dipstick, no mayo to be seen, everything looks as it should be.

I'll keep a close eye on things and see what happens over the next 2 weeks!

 

[GrayT]

You didn't check the coolant when the engine wasn't fully warm last time did you? It's just that expansion alone can account for the difference between min and max. But sure if it's losing over a longer period and you're having to top up you need to check it out. I would check from cold before you start the car over the next few weeks.

By the way does the alarm sound the same like when you are low on petrol or screenwash?

 

[Timmyboy]

The alarm is the same sound as the low petrol alarm except it repeats 5 or 6 times, the petrol one only sounds once if memory serves. Thanks for the tip on the hot/cold but purely based on the volume of liquid I've stuck in it the last couple of weeks, there must be something wrong. No dribbles coming from anywhere though!

Sounds like a good excuse to justify the cupra R purchase.

 

[Timmyboy]

It was the radiator in the end - £190 all in for the replacement.