Ar Overheating on Long Drives — Could the Radiator Be Cracked?

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Ar Overheating on Long Drives — Could the Radiator Be Cracked?

My United Alpha heats up mainly during long highway drives but cools down when the AC is off. A mechanic said the radiator might have a micro-crack that opens when the engine gets hot. How can I confirm whether it’s a heat-expansion leak? Should I get it repaired o r replace the entire radiator?

Talha Kyanii asked on 15 Nov 2025 12:57:59 pm

1 Answer

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Gari Master - on 15 Nov 2025 13:16:05 pm

Overheating during long drives but cooling down during city driving o r when AC is off can indicate a cracked radiator that leaks when hot. As the radiator expands due to heat, small cracks widen and coolant escapes under pressure.

Signs of a heat-expansion radiator crack

Coolant only leaks when the engine is fully hot

No visible leak when the engine is cold

Temperature rises at high speeds o r with AC

Coolant smell after long drives

How to confirm

Perform a pressure test on the cooling system.

Check radiator side tanks for hairline cracks.

Look for coolant splashes around the fan area it spreads the leak.

Repair o r replace?

Plastic tank cracks can sometimes be patched temporarily, but repairs usually don’t last.

If the radiator core o r tank is cracked, replacement is recommended to prevent repeated overheating.

A cracked radiator can eventually cause engine damage if ignored.