What are the causes of coolant leaks o r hose/radiator damage leading to overheating in Kia Stonic cars here?

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What are the causes of coolant leaks o r hose/radiator damage leading to overheating in Kia Stonic cars here?

Some owners have noticed coolant smell, moisture in the front grill area, o r even visible leaks, combined with rising engine temps. Could this be due to hairline cracks in the radiator tanks, weakened hoses, o r poor clamps? How common are these in Stonic vehicles in Pakistan, considering the heat, dust, and usage conditions? What should be inspected first and how reliably can these leaks be fixed locally?

Talha Kyanii asked on 20 Sep 2025 16:27:19 pm

1 Answer

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Gari Master - on 20 Sep 2025 16:29:12 pm

What is seen / known:

In Karachi and similar climates, there are reports of mild overheating combined with a sweet smell coolant smell after driving, and moisture around the front grille. These are signs of small leaks.
Gari.PK

Radiator hoses degrade over time from heat/dust, clamps loosen, plastic tanks/cracks can develop due to thermal cycling.
Gari.PK
+1

Likely causes:

Hairline cracks in radiator plastic end‐tanks o r seams: These can leak under pressure o r with heating expansion.
Gari.PK

Aging / brittle hoses o r bad hose clamps: Heat and age make hoses less flexible, and clamps may loosen o r lose tension.
Gari.PK
+1

Radiator cap failure: If cap does not maintain correct pressure, coolant may vaporize o r leak as vapour.
Gari.PK

Leaks at joints/seals / connections: Between hose and radiator, o r where lines pass o r mountings are, vibration and heat weaken seals.

What to check / remedy:

Inspect all hoses upper & lower, radiator seams, clamps for moisture, dried coolant residue white, green, pink crust.

Pressure‐test radiator to see if it holds pressure visible leaks may be absent until pressure applied.

Replace hoses and clamps with good quality OEM o r equivalent parts.

Replace radiator cap if its old o r not sealing pressure well.

When replacing parts, ensure proper routing and secure clamps.