To keep your Chevy Impala's cooling system in proper working condition, you should check for cooling system leaks on a regular basis. An easy way to observe warning signs of a leak is to monitor the area where you park for radiator coolant. This is a sure sign that you have a cooling system leak. Checking for leaks is simple enough that most anyone can do it.
Instructions
- 1
Open the hood of the Chevy Impala and check all the hoses for any possible leaks. These hoses are especially susceptible to leaking, because of their rubber composition. If you observe any bulging, cracking or splitting of any of these hoses this could be the origin of the cooling system leak.
2Check the water pump at the front of the engine and the shaft seal that is between the water pump and the engine. Look for any corrosive discharge, which causes discoloration and stains near the water pump.
3Use a flashlight to check every visible area of the radiator. The radiator can develop leaks from the hoses due to car vibration. Verify that both the upper and lower radiator hoses connect securely to the radiator. There could also be leakage on the underside of the radiator from rock and gravel damage.
4Twist the radiator cap one full turn and step back from the Chevy Impala. Be sure that the radiator is cool to the touch before you open the cap. Then, remove the radiator cap and add fresh coolant to the radiator.
5Turn on the ignition of the Chevy Impala and allow it to run with the heater on high for about 15 minutes. Switch off the ignition and check the auto parts from the previous steps one more time. If you still can't locate the leak, then it may be internal. In this case, you should take the Impala to a cooling system specialist for a total internal inspection.
