Please Please Help - urgent - coolant leak

[sgrech]

So I was topping up my oil this evening and noticed what appears to be a coolant leak from the reservoir to the radiator, please see picture.

I checked the reservoir level and it is about 1cm above the min (see other pic), not sure what is was previously though as it is not something I usually pay much attention to. Car was last serviced about 6 months ago.

Obviously i need to get this sorted out, however tomorrow I am due to drive to Leeds and back which is a 400 hundred mile round trip and I worried that there is a possibility I could break down.

So not sure what to do? Any advice would be gratefully received.

Regards
Simon

[Rob69]

That looks like a crusted up weep rather than an ongoing steady leak, if you wipe your finger round it, is it constantly wet or dripping while the engine is hot and running? since you still have a reasonable level in the reservoir and it hasn't been checked in 6 months, I suspect it is a very slight leak. I'd say it will probably be ok on your trip, if you top up the coolant now to max and check it a few times during your journey i reckon you'll be ok, but can't give any guarantee !!!

[sgrech]

That looks like a crusted up weep rather than an ongoing steady leak, if you wipe your finger round it, is it constantly wet or dripping while the engine is hot and running? since you still have a reasonable level in the reservoir and it hasn't been checked in 6 months, I suspect it is a very slight leak. I'd say it will probably be ok on your trip, if you top up the coolant now to max and check it a few times during your journey i reckon you'll be ok, but can't give any guarantee !!!

Thanks Rob, sadly I don't have any coolant, I plan to take some water with me in case of emergency I think it ok to use some of that?

I will keep an eye on the level and if neccessary have to stop at Halfords or similar and buy a bottle.
Would this be ok
Mine currently has G12.

Halfords OAT Ready Mixed Antifreeze... (https://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/antifreeze/halfords-oat-ready-mixed-antifreeze-2-litres)

[Rob69]

you'd be ok to top it up with water if you intend to get the leak repaired in the near future, before we get into winter proper. Top up to max before you start the journey. If for any reason though you run low on coolant while driving and the engine overheats do not add cold water into the hot cooling system as this can crack cylinder head etc, let things cool down for an hour or so. A small volume of water will not dilute the antifreeze too much and as the coolant will need to be drained and refilled to fix the leak permanently it should be refreshed back to full strength at that point. If you can get it, that red antifreeze mix will be ok as well, although IMO preferable to use the proper G12 (now G13) coolant if you can and depending how fussy you are !
Have a good trip and weekend.

[sgrech]

you'd be ok to top it up with water if you intend to get the leak repaired in the near future, before we get into winter proper. Top up to max before you start the journey. If for any reason though you run low on coolant while driving and the engine overheats do not add cold water into the hot cooling system as this can crack cylinder head etc, let things cool down for an hour or so. A small volume of water will not dilute the antifreeze too much and as the coolant will need to be drained and refilled to fix the leak permanently it should be refreshed back to full strength at that point. If you can get it, that red antifreeze mix will be ok as well, although IMO preferable to use the proper G12 (now G13) coolant if you can and depending how fussy you are !
Have a good trip and weekend.


Thanks for your advice
Made it to Leeds, hopefully make it back!!