How to Check for Cooling System Leaks in a Oldsmobile Alero

Some view what's underneath the hood as foreign territory, but a little knowledge can alleviate this apprehension. The basic act of looking on the ground of your regular parking space is one way to check for cooling system leaks in your Oldsmobile Alero. Inspecting your vehicle for leaks is necessary and can save you money and headaches in the future.

Instructions

1

Open the hood, grab a flashlight and check the entire radiator for leaks. Look for any discoloration, fresh leaks or corrosion, which are sure signs of leakage. Inspect the underside of the radiator, as rocks and road debris can damage it during normal operation.

2

Inspect the water pump and gasket seal for any signs of leakage. The water pump is between the radiator and the engine. The gasket seal secures the connection between the water pump and the engine block. Watch for corrosion or discoloration on these auto parts.

3

Check the hoses that connect the radiator to the engine and the engine to the heater core. Examine the hoses for bulges, cracks and splitting. Look closely at the places where the hoses connect to various cooling system parts. Since these hoses are rubber composite, they're highly susceptible to leakage.

4

Take the radiator cap off and add fresh coolant. Check that the radiator is cool to the touch before you attempt to open it. Turn the cap one full revolution, back up, wait a minute or two and remove the radiator cap completely. The radiator can have internal pressure, which can cause an eruption that will severely burn anyone in the area, if you're not cautious.

5

Turn on the engine of the Oldsmobile Alero with the heater setting on high. Let the car run like this for about 15 minutes.

6

Switch off the engine of the Oldsmobile Alero and check the hoses, water pump, gasket seal and radiator one more time for leaks. If you still can't find the source, take the car to a cooling system specialist to check for internal leaks.