Can a radiator additive prevent overheating?

Answer by  mechtech74 (692)

Sometimes. If you are overheating due to a minor leak in the radiator, quality Stop-Leak type products actually work. This is the one that looks like tiny flakes in a transparent tube. Add it very gradually to a open radiator of a warmed-up car. Half a tube is plenty.

Answer by  oui72 (514)

Overheating has different causes. Radiator additive can only increase boiling point. Means that it won't easy boils the liquid inside the radiator. It may also prolong it's useful engine life span. However, it can't prevent overheating to some extent. Causes of overheating are over revving, malfunctioning water pump. Stuck temperature valve. Defective engine block and cooling system.

Answer by  Anonymous

In a word, no. Ethylene glycol decreases the freezing point of coolant, but boils at a lower temperature. Wetter Water improves heat transfer, which helps water to cool, but there are similar additives in all antifreeze. It's antifreeze, not 'antiheat'.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

No it is not very likely. Only certain ones actually help to aid cool and these wont drop temperature that much. If you car overheat repair the cooling system first.

Answer by  billyb (562)

radiator additive is used mostly for leaks in a radiator. overheating is a sign of other engine issues. a mechanic can check for other problems.

Answer by  japratt (1687)

Yes, the radiator additive can prevent heating in your radiator section. If it does go out it could easily cause over heating.