Radweld Plus is an advanced cooling system sealant designed to stop leaks permanently in your vehicle’s radiator, head gasket, and cooling system. This chemical solution works by flowing through the coolant system and sealing small cracks and leaks from the inside. The process involves adding the product to your cooling system when the engine is cold and allowing it to circulate during normal driving.
Tools and parts required
Before starting the repair process, gather these essential items:
Parts needed:
- Radweld Plus sealant (one bottle treats most vehicles)
- Replacement coolant (if system requires topping up)
- Distilled water (for mixing if needed)
Tools required:
- Clean cloth or rag
- Protective gloves
- Funnel (makes pouring easier)
- Torch or mobile phone light
Safety precautions
Always ensure the engine is completely cold before opening the expansion tank cap or radiator cap. Never attempt to add Radweld Plus to a hot engine as this can cause serious burns from pressurised coolant. Wear protective gloves when handling the product and work in a well-ventilated area.
Check that your vehicle is parked on level ground with the handbrake engaged. Keep the product away from children and pets, and avoid contact with skin or eyes.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle
Ensure your engine has been switched off for at least 2-3 hours to allow complete cooling. Remove any debris from around the radiator cap or expansion tank cap area using a clean cloth.
Check the current coolant level in your system. If the level is very low, you may need to add some coolant or distilled water before adding Radweld Plus.
Step 2: Locate the cooling system filler cap
Most modern vehicles have an expansion tank with a clearly marked cap. On older vehicles, you may need to access the radiator cap directly. Consult your vehicle handbook if you’re unsure about the location.
The expansion tank is typically a translucent plastic container located near the radiator with minimum and maximum level markings.
Step 3: Add radweld plus to the system
Carefully remove the expansion tank or radiator cap by pressing down and turning anticlockwise. You may hear a slight hissing sound as any remaining pressure escapes.
Shake the Radweld Plus bottle thoroughly before use. Pour the entire contents directly into the cooling system. Using a funnel can help prevent spillage and ensure accurate pouring.
Professional tip from AutoPartsPro mechanics: Always add Radweld Plus to a cold engine. The product works more effectively when it can circulate slowly through the system as the engine gradually warms up.
Step 4: Top up the cooling system
After adding Radweld Plus, check if the coolant level needs topping up. Add coolant or distilled water as required to bring the level to the maximum mark on the expansion tank.
Replace the cap securely by aligning it correctly and turning clockwise until it clicks into place.
Step 5: Run the engine and test
Start your engine and allow it to idle for 10-15 minutes with the heater set to maximum temperature. This ensures the Radweld Plus circulates throughout the entire cooling system.
Monitor the temperature gauge carefully during this process. If the temperature rises beyond normal operating range, switch off the engine immediately and allow it to cool before investigating further.
Take your vehicle for a short drive (5-10 miles) to allow the sealant to reach all areas of the cooling system and begin working on any leaks.
Common mistakes to avoid
Never add Radweld Plus to an overheated engine. This can cause the product to react incorrectly and potentially damage your cooling system components.
Avoid using the product if your engine radiator has a major leak or severe damage. Radweld Plus is designed for small leaks and hairline cracks, not large ruptures.
Don’t exceed the recommended dosage. Using more than one bottle won’t improve effectiveness and may cause blockages in your cooling system.
Resist the temptation to remove the cap immediately after driving. Allow the system to cool for at least an hour before checking coolant levels.
When should you use radweld plus?
Radweld Plus is most effective for treating minor coolant leaks, small head gasket leaks, and hairline cracks in radiators or cooling system components.
Consider using this product when you notice:
- Small puddles of coolant under your parked vehicle
- Gradual coolant loss without obvious external leaks
- Minor overheating issues during heavy traffic
- Steam or sweet smell from the engine bay
The product typically begins working within the first few miles of driving, with full effectiveness achieved after 50-100 miles of normal use.
Expert advice: Our specialists recommend using Radweld Plus as a temporary solution while you arrange for proper repairs. For permanent fixes, always address the underlying cause of cooling system leaks.
Related maintenance you can do at the same time
While addressing cooling system issues, consider replacing your radiator thermostat if it’s showing signs of wear or sticking.
Check your radiator hose connections for signs of wear, cracking, or soft spots that might indicate future failure points.
Inspect the water pump for any signs of leakage around the weep hole or shaft seal area.
Consider flushing your cooling system if the coolant appears dirty or contaminated, which can improve the effectiveness of Radweld Plus and overall system performance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Radweld Plus take to work?
Most small leaks begin sealing within 15-30 minutes of driving, with complete effectiveness typically achieved within 50-100 miles of normal use.
Can I use Radweld Plus with any type of coolant?
Yes, Radweld Plus is compatible with all types of antifreeze and coolant, including OAT, IAT, and hybrid formulations commonly used in modern vehicles.
Will Radweld Plus damage my cooling system?
When used correctly, Radweld Plus won’t damage your cooling system. It’s specifically formulated to seal leaks without blocking narrow passages or affecting system components.
How much driving is needed after adding the product?
Drive normally for at least 50-100 miles to allow the sealant to circulate fully and seal any leaks effectively throughout the cooling system.
Can I use Radweld Plus on a cracked engine block?
Radweld Plus can seal minor cracks in engine blocks, but severe damage requires professional repair. Consult a qualified mechanic for major engine block issues.
Using Radweld Plus correctly provides an effective temporary solution for minor cooling system leaks while you arrange permanent repairs. The product’s advanced formula works best when added to a cold engine and given adequate time to circulate throughout the system during normal driving conditions.
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