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A well-known name in engine repair with long-lasting results.

A versatile stop leak with a strong reputation.

A resilient powder suitable for small leaks.

A quick-to-use tablet to improve radiator performance.

An upgrade of a popular radiator stop leak formula.

A radiator leak may seem small at first, but it can quickly hinder performance in other components of your car’s engine. Radiator stop leaks, also known as radiator sealant, fill in cracks and scratches in your radiator to fix minor damage and protect your car from future wear and tear.

Our product review team has researched and reviewed the five best radiator stop leaks on the market to help keep your car running smoothly.

Bar’s Leaks Liquid Aluminum radiator sealant repairs gasket and heater core leaks using its Xtreme Cool formula. It lowers the water temperature in a car’s coolant system to create a safe environment for your radiator to function properly.

This stop leak also blocks freeze plug leaks and is safe to use with both silicate and non-silicate antifreeze of any color. While other stop leaks can take hours to work, the Liquid Aluminum shows results within 20 minutes of use and can be re-applied as necessary without damaging your radiator.

With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews on Amazon, Bar’s Leaks Liquid Aluminum has a great reputation. Around 80 percent of these reviews are 4 stars or higher.

Many customers highlight the longevity of their radiator repairs done with Liquid Aluminum, claiming a one-time use lasts more than three months. Some of the few complaints note clogging in their radiator after using this product.

K-Seal ST5501 is safe on radiators, water pump casings, freeze plugs, and even heater cores. While some radiator sealers may only repair, this product’s advanced formula actually rejuvenates rubber seals and gaskets to improve their health, too.

One notable feature of the K-Seal ST5501 – it can be applied to a hot or cold engine to save time on repairs, although customers should exercise extreme care around hot engines. No flushing or draining is required with this stop leak since it works with all types of antifreeze.

The K-Seal ST5501 is currently Amazon’s number one bestseller for cooling system additives. It has an average rating of 4.2 stars from over 4,000 ratings, with nearly 70 percent of these being 5 stars.

Although skeptical at first, many customers who leave positive reviews are surprised at how well the K-Seal ST5501 works on their radiator. Many reported having no leaks after letting their car sit for half an hour after application. While there are very few negative reviews, a few of them note that this product did not sufficiently repair a blown head gasket as advertised.

One of the oldest radiator stop leaks on the market, AlumAseal powder has been used in the automotive repair world for over 75 years. It can seal radiator cracks and lubricate water pumping systems to improve cooling performance.

AlumAseal powder works with all varieties of antifreeze. It’s not very effective against large leaks but works well against pinhole-sized holes and breaks. This powder has also been known to cause more clogs when overused compared to other radiator stop leak products.

On Amazon, the AlumAseal powder has about 200 reviews and an average rating of 4.4 stars. Close to 90 percent of all reviews are 4 stars or higher.

Reviews from satisfied customers tend to focus on how well the AlumAseal performed for very small radiator leaks. A common complaint from negative reviews is that the recommended amount of AlumAseal is insufficient for a proper repair.

Tablet stop leaks take little effort for big results. Bar’s Leaks HDC Radiator Stop Leak tablets can be added directly to a radiator or mixed with warm water before installing for a clean fix within 15 to 20 minutes. Its formula is designed to inhibit rust and corrosion to prevent future cracks from forming, plus it conditions the cooling system to work more effectively.

These tables help control electrolysis by de-electrifying the coolant in the radiator to prevent grounding issues. The price of HDC tablets is very low compared to other liquid and powder radiator stop leaks, which is a plus as well.

Over 500 customers on Amazon reviewed these HDC tablets. The product has a current rating of 4.3 stars, and slightly less than 70 percent of all reviews are 5-star ratings.

Although not all customers found success with the HDC tablets, most of them praise its fast-acting solution. One common tip left by customers is to break up the tablet using a hammer before adding it to the radiator for better results.

ATP AT-205 is compatible with both conventional and synthetic oils, including gear oil, power steering fluids, and even hydraulic oil. It can be much more versatile than other sealants since it can treat other system leaks beyond the radiator.

The AT-205 restores rubber and gasket health, too. Its formula also doesn’t contain petroleum distillates, which can break down the inside of the radiator when too many are present. While it’s capable of sufficient repairs, ATP recommends waiting five hours before full results are visible.

As Amazon’s current number one bestseller in Automotive Replacement Transmission & Parts, the ATP AT-205 has a reputation for consistent results. It has over 14,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars.

While its overall ratings are high, many of the top-liked reviews are mixed. While some commend the AT-205 as a plasticizer that seals almost all leaks, others criticize it for harming their car’s transmission despite what the product description says.

Not sure what a radiator stop leak does to help your engine? Check out our buyers guide below to learn its essential functions and the different types you can apply.

Radiator stop leak is an additive designed to seal leaks in a radiator that forms over time. It uses ceramic fibers and sodium silicate that coagulate to fill small cracks while also preventing future leaks. Although radiator stop leak is not a permanent solution, these additives target common issues that can be maintained until proper repairs are made.

There are a few different types of radiator stop leaks, such as powders, tablets, and liquids. Powders are generally applied directly to the radiator. It’s an easy solution, but may be less effective since adding too much can clog the radiator entirely while applying too little can have no effect.

Stop leak tablets can either be added straight into the radiator or diluted with water and poured in. Although more effective than powders, solutions in tablet form do not always have great sealing properties.

Liquid stop leaks are considered the most effective due to their solubility. They are the easiest of the three to apply thanks to their pour-and-go design and usually offer a very reliable seal.

To select the five radiator stop leaks in this review, our team searched Amazon and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors like customer ratings, price, superlatives, and Prime shipping eligibility.

Unfortunately, radiator stop leak is only meant to be a temporary fix for minor leaks and scratches in your vehicle’s radiator. You should take your car to a mechanic for advice on a permanent repair for larger leaks if at-home remedies don’t work.

When used according to the manufacturer’s directions, radiator stop leaks should improve the overall health of your radiator. Incorrect usage can have lasting negative effects on radiator performance. Be sure to thoroughly read all instructions before use.

Seeing results depends on the type of stop leak used, the manufacturer’s recommendations, and the size of the crack being repaired. Typically, most stop leaks show improved radiator performance within 20 minutes after first use, while some may take as long as a couple of hours.

No, you don’t need to drain it. Radiator stop leak is made to stay in your car’s cooling system after application.

*Data accurate at time of publication.

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