There will come a time with any car where the cooling system may have a leak. This leak can be found within a variety of different location, such as the hoses leading to the heating system or the water pump. Most local auto maintenance facilities will find the leak by running a pressure test of the entire cooling system. The cost of pressure testing at a local auto mechanic may run a bit high based upon the find of the leak and then the possible repair and labor needed to fix the issue. This same equipment used by the mechanic can be purchased at any local auto parts store and the test can be run at home for a fraction, if not half, the cost. If the problem ends up being a bad hose or something minimal in nature, the amount saved for labor costs could be beneficial for the owner in the long run. Using the following steps below, here is the proper way to run through a pressure testing of your cooling system:

1) The engine of the car having the test run on needs to be completely cool. Therefore, this test should be performed early in the morning or after hours of non use.
2) At the point that the engine has been cooled, remove the cap from the radiator and apply the fitting from the pressure testing equipment to the neck fitting of the radiator.
3) With the fittings having been properly secured and tightened, the pressure tester should be pumped by hand or electronically to a maximum of 14-16 pounds.
4) Once the pumping has stopped, the gauge readout should stand still with no movement. If the gauge begins to decrease at any point, there is a possible leak within the system.
5) Let the pressure go completely down and then perform the pumping again to the maximum range. As the gauge begins to go down, check the main connections to the cooling system, such as the water pump or heater lines, for any coolant or air coming from gashes within the devices or hoses.
6) Hoses can easily be replaced if necessary and any major modifications needed for the radiator, water pump or heating system should be brought to the attention of a local mechanic.