Can i drive with a leak in my radiator?

I took my truck in today for an tire rotation and oil change. The service rep told me my radiator was dry and there is a leak in the seam. they filled the radiator and told me to keep an eye on it... I should of looked at it then but it seemed like it wasnt an immediate repair so i drove home. I looked at it when i got home and there is a significant amount of antifreeze or water all over the place!! So it clearly needs to be fixed right away!!!

Am i able to drive to the mechanic while my radiator is not holding pressure as long as i fill the radiator before i go? its a 30 min drive. I really cant afford to get the truck towed so i could possibly get a mobile mechanic to my home but this will be really expensive!! if i can make it to my mechanic that would be ideal.. I definitely don't want any further damage to the truck like a loss of engine. im leaning toward mobile mechanic but its soo expensive!!!

 

I'd pack a bunch of water and stop every few minutes if I had to.

On the other hand, radiators in these trucks are super easy to replace. You might be able to do it.

 

Talk it over with your mechanic. I would not chance it, or it could cause more damage.

 

Not a good idea to take a 30 min drive with a large, visible coolant leak to avoid a tow bill, no.

Good luck and don’t overheat your truck.

 

So I'm suspicious now. How did you make it to the shop today with an empty radiator? Have you seen the actual leak?


Not calling bs, but worried the shop might be pulling something.

 

I agree with you and i'm wondering the same thing!!! i took my truck to wheel works and i refuse to do any repairs there because i don't trust them.. I bought my tires from them so i only use them for free tire rotations.. i decided to get an oil change too because i was planning on taking a long distance trip out of town tomorrow and it needed to be done.. I'm starting to regret my decision and honestly hope they didnt do something to my radiator just to make a profit..

 

I'd fill it up, park it somewhere where a leak won't be a problem, start it up and let it idle. You should be able to get an idea of where it's leaking pretty quick, then shut it down. Take some pictures of the spot and post them up here, then we'll go from there.

 

ok!!! ill do it in the morning good idea thanks! I just posted a thread in my neighborhood forum so maybe someone can help me out. i live in the mountains so there is not a mechanic right down the street.

 

Yes, for a little while... answer to the question in your title.

 

Thank you for all your responses! sounds like i should get a mobile mechanic.. So this i what i will do.

 

If the leak is in top part of the radiator, it will be fine to drive, you drove it home right? My toyota had a leak on a seam on top part of the tank. I just top it off till i got my radiator in the mail and changed it out

 

i did drive it home. im pretty sure it is on the top part. ill take a look at it tomorow. im still thinking not sure if i should risk it.. 30 min its kinda a long way!!!

 

JB weld... lol but srsly, works in a pinch

 

Pinch? Ha, that's my preferred method of fixing if the leak isn't some big crack. I've fixed at least 6 radiators without issues. Motorcycles, car and pick up. Just gotta clean the surface real good and let it cure proper.

 

wish i had some... closest store is 10 miles away

 

Unless it is puking water it is fine to drive. Bring an extra gallon, keep an eye on your thermostat and go get what you need. Not a big deal.

 

Get a friend go buy a radiator gets some clamps in case change it out.

unless you have a physical limits you can change it yourself.

Years ago I had a slight leak in the radiator that became a flood ." The boss says just add water " i say it runs out as I pour it in" Tow truck ride was not fun.

 

Here’s what to do. Fill the radiator up then drive around close to where you live, say within a mile or 2 of home. Stop and check the fluid level every 15 minutes or so. Make a decision from that if you can safely make it to town. If after a half hour you’re still good fluid wise you are probably good to head into town.

 

Be careful opening radiator cap