How to temporarily fix a leaking car radiator

What the numbers show

Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count

• Most of it landed at once — the busiest month was September 2026, with 6 people.

1. 1
   Getting the vehicle towed to a mechanic

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2. 2
   Checking fluid types and colors to identify the leak source

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3. 3
   Avoid using leak-stop additives to prevent clogging or gumming up system lines.

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4. 4
   slapping the hose back on to drive short distances

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5. 5
   using multiple clamps

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6. 6
   applying silicone RTV or J-B Weld plastic bond to the radiator neck

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7. 7
   bypass the internal transmission cooler to an external one if the radiator still holds pressure

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8. 8
   Putting an egg in the coolant

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9. 9
   Sourcing a cheap replacement part from a wrecker

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10. 10
    Keeping the coolant level topped up to keep driving temporarily

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11. 11
    Getting a second opinion

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12. 12
    Monitoring coolant residue and fluid levels

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13. 13
    topping up coolant

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14. 14
    buying an aluminum upgrade replacement part

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15. 15
    Taking public transportation such as a train or a bus instead of driving

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16. 16
    Doing short local drives while monitoring coolant levels

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17. 17
    Arranging the journey with planned stops to allow the vehicle to cool down and checking coolant capabilities

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In their words

Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.