A well-functioning cooling system is essential for keeping your vehicle’s engine at the optimal temperature. When the coolant level drops due to a leak, your engine can overheat, potentially causing significant damage. Recognizing the signs of a coolant leak early can help prevent costly repairs. At Powerhouse Auto Repair, our local mechanics are experts at identifying and repairing coolant leaks. Here’s a look at five signs that your vehicle could be leaking coolant.

Puddles Under the Car

One of the most obvious signs of a coolant leak is the appearance of puddles under your car. Coolant is commonly green, orange, or pink (yours may be a different color) and has a sweet smell. If you notice a brightly colored liquid under your car, it’s a good indication that your cooling system has a leak.

Low Coolant Level

Regularly checking your coolant level is part of good vehicle maintenance. If you find that your coolant level is consistently low, even after refilling, it’s a strong indication that there is a leak somewhere in the system. To avoid injury, remember to only check/add coolant after the engine has cooled down.

Overheating Engine

The primary function of coolant is to regulate the engine temperature. If there is a leak, there might not be enough coolant to properly cool the engine, leading to overheating. An overheating engine can manifest as a temperature gauge rising into the red zone or a warning light on your dashboard. 

Steam Coming from the Engine Bay

If you notice steam coming from under the hood of your car, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with the cooling system. Steam can indicate that the coolant is leaking onto hot engine components and evaporating. 

Sweet Smell

Coolant has a distinct sweet smell due to the ethylene glycol it contains. If you detect a sweet, syrupy odor coming from your engine or inside your vehicle, it could mean that coolant is leaking.

Cooling System Repair in Tallahassee

When you need auto repair in Tallahassee and the surrounding area, contact Powerhouse Auto Repair at (850) 608-0420. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!