Imagine that you need to go somewhere and as you walk toward your car, you notice that the car is leaking. In such a situation, most people would start panicking and make decisions that would not help the task at their hands.
There are many possible reasons why your car may be leaking oil. One of the most common reasons is a hole in the radiator. You can confirm whether or not your radiator is leaking by looking at the liquid that is leaking. If the liquid is greenish in color or any other color, the chances are that the leak is coming from the radiator. If your radiator is leaking, you should immediately get to work on stopping the leakage.
The main cause of a radiator to be leaking is corrosion. However, there are plenty of other explanations for why your radiator might be leaking. If you find yourself in a situation like this, we recommend checking your radiator’s cap.
Many people don’t know that radiator sealers are available on the market. They are a helpful tool that you can use to fix a leak problem in the radiator. However, it would be best to keep in mind that the permanent way to fix a radiator is only by taking it to a mechanic or a professional. It wouldn’t be good for the average person to find a permanent fix because most of us don’t even know how to remove a car’s radiator.
Radiator sealers are a good temporary solution to fixing the leaking problem. If you ever find yourself in a situation where your radiator is leaking, you are at the right place since we have compiled a list of the best radiator sealers to help you in a time of need!
How We Made The List
To make this list, we had to keep several things in mind. We wanted to make sure that the list we have come up with is as comprehensive as possible, including options for each type of need. We have kept elements such as pricing, ease of use, and suitability for everyday engines.
We also sought radiator sealers that, while doing their job, aid in rejuvenating more vulnerable components of your radiator system. That implies assisting in sealing fading rubber and plastic gaskets or hoses to prevent more leaks while you look for a more permanent solution.
We wanted to make sure that the fix you choose to apply for works well and for as long as possible until you meet your mechanic.
We noticed that the range of prices amongst the radiator sealers was wide. There were some quite cheap options that we saw, and then some were on the more expensive side.
We will be going over all the options that we have chosen thoroughly and will inform you properly about the practicalities that should be on your mind when you are making your purchase.
Best Radiator Sealer Comparison Table
Best Choice
ATP AT-205
- Revitalizes other parts
- Versatile
- No damage caused to the engine
Premium Choice
Bar’s Leaks 1186
- Liquid Aluminum technology
- Temperature control
- Compatible with anti-freeze
Best in Budget
ACDelco GM Sealing Tabs
- Easy to use
- Easy to store
- Dissolve by themselves
Best Radiator Sealer Review
1. ATP AT-205
The ATP AT-205 is one of the best and most popular options for a radiator sealer. For a good reason, it has been the trusted choice of thousands upon thousands of users.
The first thing about this sealer that has undoubtedly aided its popularity is its versatility. It can be used with any oil, making it an attractive option for most automobile owners. The sealer gets to work fast, so if you ever apply it in a dire situation, it won’t let you down.
The sealer functions as a one-stop solution for your radiator. Along with fixing the leak, it revitalizes the rubber seals and gaskets in the engine, the hydraulics, power steering, and the vehicle’s transmission.
A small 8-ounce bottle of this radiator sealer goes a long way. You can easily use an 8-ounce bottle to work on a system with a 6-quart capacity. It is also a good choice for you if you feel that your engine is sensitive since it does not contain any petroleum distillates that may break down seals.
The reasons mentioned above make the ATP AT-205 one of the best options for the average automobile owner. You can use it on various vehicles, it doesn’t cause any damage, and it works on improving other aspects of your radiator too!
Features
- Makes no use of petroleum distillates
- An 8-ounce bottle works for a 6-quart capacity
Pros
- Revitalizes other parts
- Versatile
- No damage caused to the engine
Cons
- Would not recommend for anti-freeze
2. Bar’s Leaks 1186
Bar’s Leaks has a long history of making some of the best radiator sealing products. The Bar’s Leaks 1186 is considered one of the, if not the best, offering that they have put out in the market.
This is because the 1186 uses a special liquid which they call the Liquid Aluminum Stop Leak. This liquid is one of the best in the work that it does. The liquid is well able to seal up leakages of the radiator and at the same time provides great protection against overheating, maintaining the temperature of the water in the tank. If you want to keep your radiator’s temperature optimal, we recommend you get a high-quality radiator fan.
This sealer can be used easily for various materials and parts, making it a versatile choice for any customer. Another great thing is that you can use the sealer without flushing out the anti-freeze system, making it more favorable to buy.
A thing to keep in mind is that the sealer may not be as efficient as other sealers in the market, meaning that you may need to use a greater amount of the sealer to fix any leaks compared to the other options. There will also be a slight delay in the time it takes to start affecting the leakage.
Overall, this is a choice we would recommend because of the technical features of the sealer. The technology being used by the Bar’s Leak 1186 allows for versatility and also helps in protecting against overheating.
Features
- Liquid Aluminum technology
- Temperature control
- Compatible with anti-freeze
Pros
- Versatile
- No overheating
Cons
- Not as efficient as other options
3. ACDelco GM Sealing Tabs
Number two on our list is the ACDelco GM Sealing Tabs. Unlike other options in this list, these are actual tablets that you can use to seal up your radiator.
The best thing about the tablets is that they are storage-friendly and will last you long. The tablets are extremely easy to use and can be used on various engines. To use a tablet, one only has to break it into a few small pieces and then drop it in the coolant tank.
It is to be noted that even though the tablets are easy to use, they do take some time to get to work. Also, once you have used the tablets, you have to make sure to flush your radiator. This is important because there could be tablet pieces that could form clogs.
You can also use the tablets with anti-freeze.
These tablets will serve you very well in terms of their functionality. They don’t cause any hassle, work for a wide range of engines, and they can be used easily by anyone.
Features
- Tablet form factor
- Non-toxic
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to store
- Dissolve by themselves
Cons
- Does not start working immediately
4. K-Seal ST5501
The K-Seal ST5501 is one of the quickest ways to stop a radiator leak. It is ideal for you if you have an anti-freeze. Along with being a top contender for the best solution accommodating anti-freeze, the sealer works great with various engine types. If you do have anti-freeze, we recommend that you keep a check on it regularly and top it up when needed.
With this sealer, life becomes easier. You don’t even need to perform any flushing of the radiator; you can pour the sealer directly into the radiator, and it will start working up its magic all on its own.
If you are uncertain about the location of your leakage, this sealer comes in handy; this is because it works in a variety of locations and is the best plastic radiator sealer. You can add the sealer to either a hot engine or a cold engine, which is especially helpful when you are on a time crunch.
A thing to notice is that the K-Seal ST5501 says that it is a permanent fix for your radiator, but we would advise you to visit a professional still to get the leakage in your radiator properly fixed. There have also been reports from the customers of the leakages starting again after a certain amount of time which gives all the more reason to use this sealer as a temporary solution only.
Features
- Works directly
- Claims to seal permanently
Pros
- Easy to use
- You can use it in hot or cold engines
- Works quickly
Cons
- The claim of permanent sealing is not reliable
5. Blue Magic 1008-24PK
If you are someone who finds yourself doing heavy-duty work, you are likely to encounter heavy-duty problems, and these problems require an appropriate solution.
The Blue Magic 1008-24PK is, at its core, best suited for heavy-duty use. However, since it is so well suited for such uses, it does not work well with smaller engines, making it a choice that may not suit the average person.
It is an extremely durable sealer handling temperatures as high as 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. They also claim that it is a permanent sealer. Whether it being permanent is true or not, we do know that it will last longer than any of the other options that we have mentioned in this list.
There are no solid pieces within the solution, which ensures that you won’t be facing issues such as clogging when you apply the sealer. The sealer also works fast and can seal the leakage in a few minutes.
So, if you have a large capacity machine, we would recommend you choose the Blue Magic 1008-24PK as your sealer of choice. For engines that it is suitable for, it offers one of the best solutions available in the market currently.
Features
- Works well for heavy-duty applications
- Claims to seal permanently
Pros
- Highly durable
- Lesser chances of clogging
- Works in minutes
Cons
- Not suitable for smaller engines
Things To Consider When Buying the Best Radiator Sealer
When you make your purchase, there will be certain things that you should keep in mind to make sure that you are buying the best possible radiator sealer and that you are getting one that works the most efficiently with your vehicle.
Mentioned below are some of the things we highly recommend you remember as you decide which radiator sealer to get.
Suitability
There are different types of sealers for different purposes, which means that you need to make sure that the sealer will work with your engine’s specifications whenever you are getting a sealer for your vehicle.
An example of this would be that some sealers work with anti-freeze, whereas some don’t. Now, if you got a sealer that wasn’t a compatible one, not only would it not work, but it could also potentially cause damage to the engine of your car.
Hence it is important whenever you are making a sealer purchase to make sure that you are getting the right one for your needs.
Pricing
Pricing is an element that should be considered in the case of sealers, especially because it would be better for you to own the sealers before you require them. So it would only be reasonable for you to look at the pricing of the sealers available, assess your needs and then come across a decision.
Features
Throughout the list, we saw many different offerings and what we noticed was that each offering was providing something unique of its own.
The features that we saw could all be potentially helpful to different customers, which means that they are something that you shouldn’t look over when you are making your purchase.
Some sealers offer durability, while some offer temperature control. It is up to you to decide what matters the most to you and come to a buying decision based on that and all other factors combined.
Accessibility
Most of the sealers in the market do not offer a permanent fix, and even if they do, we have mentioned multiple times throughout the article that you should try to get the leak permanently fixed by a mechanic.
Knowing this, you should go for a radiator sealer that is easy to use. You know that the solution is only temporary, so why waste a lot of time?
It would be better to get done with the temporary fix quickly and then get the leak checked properly at a convenient time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Radiator Sealer
- Can a radiator sealer be harmful to the engine?
Ans. No, however, it depends. All engine components are safe when using high-quality stop leaks. On the other hand, low-quality versions used incorrectly are likely to damage your engine, so invest in a high-quality product and carefully follow the directions.
It’s also possible that the type of engine matters – some engine designs aren’t as effective at stopping leaks as others. An expert opinion might be useful to understand more. Some people are concerned that a radiator stop leak would cause overheating, although this is uncommon with high-quality formulations.
- Does a radiator sealer even work?
Ans. There is little to no doubt about whether radiator sealers work or not. However, one thing that you can contest is how long a radiator sealer works. It has been observed that the effects of a radiator sealer, on average, generally wear out with time. Keeping this in mind, we mustn’t treat it as a permanent solution.
If we treat it as a permanent solution, you may find yourself stuck in a similar situation where your radiator is leaking again.
So yes, they do work, but they are only helpful if you use them smartly. If you find that your radiator is not getting fixed by yourself or the mechanic, then it may be time to buy a replacement for your old radiator.
- When and how to remove the sealer?
Ans. Once you have gone through fixing the leakage in your radiator, you can carry on with your everyday life. However, some sealers do not require you to flush the radiator when you use them. This brings on a risk that the solution may not have dissolved properly or that there may be some solid piece floating in the system. A great flush will do you wonders in a situation like this.
This would result in clogging and would negatively impact your vehicle. So, once you are done fixing the leak, you should find some free time as soon as possible and then flush the system, and you should be good to go.
Conclusion
This article has gone over various kinds of sealers and talked about their functionalities and features. We have also tried to explain the need for those features in detail, and we hope this article has served you as a good guide in helping you decide which radiator sealer to go for.
Remember always to consider the important elements discussed above so that you make a decision that will leave you completely satisfied!
