Your car’s cooling system is vital to keeping the engine from overheating—and coolant (also called antifreeze) is the star of the show. If your car is leaking coolant, it’s not something to ignore. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
1. Visible Coolant Puddle Under the Car
If you notice a bright green, orange, or pink fluid under your car—especially near the front—it could be coolant. Coolant is usually sweet-smelling and has a thinner consistency than oil.
2. Engine Temperature Warning Light
If the engine temperature light on your dashboard flicks on, or you notice the temperature gauge climbing higher than normal, your engine might be running hot due to low coolant levels.
3. Overheating Engine
This is a major red flag. If your engine starts to overheat, pull over safely and turn off the car. Driving with an overheating engine can cause major damage like a blown head gasket or warped cylinder head.
4. Sweet Smell from the Engine Area
Coolant has a distinct sweet smell. If you notice this near the front of your car or coming through your vents, it might mean there’s a leak somewhere in the system.
5. Low Coolant Levels in the Reservoir
If you check your coolant reservoir and it’s unusually low (or empty), even after topping it off recently, you likely have a leak.
6. White Smoke from the Exhaust
White smoke could mean that coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber—often a sign of a head gasket issue.
7. Crusty or Discolored Residue Around Hoses or the Radiator
Dried coolant often leaves behind crusty white, green, or orange residue. Check hoses, the radiator, and connections for signs of this.
🚨 Don’t Ignore It!