Checking the tightness of the hoses and fluid leakage

Leaks in the cooling system are usually detected by a white or rust-colored coating in the area adjacent to the leak.

Carefully check the radiator and coolant hoses along the entire length. Replace hoses with cracks, tears or signs of ageing. Cracks are easier to find if the hose is pinched. Pay special attention to the clamps that attach the hoses to the elements of the cooling system. Hose clamps that have been overtightened can cause the hose to break or puncture, resulting in leaks in the cooling system. Inspect all hoses and hose connection surfaces for leaks. If any problems of this nature are found with leaks, then replace this component or gasket.

Fuel leaks are difficult to pinpoint until the leak is significant and therefore easily visible. Fuel tends to evaporate quickly as soon as it comes into contact with air, especially in a hot engine bay. Small drops may disappear before you can locate the leak. If you suspect that there is a fuel leak in the area of the engine compartment, then cool the engine and start it while it is cold with the hood open. Metal objects tend to shrink when cold, and rubber hoses tend to loosen, so any leaks will be more obvious while the engine is warm from start-up and cold.

If there are signs that some fluid is leaking, but you cannot recognize the type of fluid or the exact origin, leave the car for a long time and place a large piece of paper or rag under the car. This will help locate the fluid leak and also help identify the leaking fluid by color. But keep in mind that some leaks may only show up when the engine is running.

A leak in the vacuum hose means that air is being sucked into the hose (does not come out of the hose), and this makes the leak very difficult to detect. The detection method is to use an old vacuum hose as a kind of stethoscope. Hold one end of the hose close to your ear (but not in the ear), and use the other end to examine the area around the suspected leak. When the end of the hose is directly over the leak, a hissing sound will be clearly audible through the hose. Contact with hot and moving parts must be avoided, as the engine must be running during the test.