Coolant leaks are a common but potentially serious issue for vehicles. Coolant is vital for regulating your engine’s temperature and preventing overheating. Identifying a coolant leak early can save you from much more expensive repairs. At Red Rock Auto Center, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Sedona area. Here’s a look at five warning signs that your car has a coolant leak.

Puddles Under Your Vehicle

One of the most apparent signs of a coolant leak is finding bright fluid pooling under your vehicle. Coolant comes in various colors, with common ones including green and orange. If you see a puddle of this colored liquid beneath your car, it’s a sign of a leak.

Low Coolant Levels

Regularly checking your coolant levels is part of good vehicle maintenance. If you notice that your coolant levels are consistently low despite regular top-ups, there might be a leak. The coolant reservoir should have a fill line indicating the correct level. If the level is below this line or you find yourself frequently needing to add coolant, a leak could be the culprit. For safety reasons, wait for your engine to cool before checking/adding coolant.

Engine Overheating

Coolant’s primary function is to keep your engine from overheating. If your engine temperature gauge starts to climb higher than normal or you receive a dashboard warning light indicating the engine is overheating, a coolant leak could be the cause. Driving with an overheating engine can cause severe damage, so it’s important to address the issue promptly.

Sweet Smell from the Engine Bay

Coolant has a distinctive sweet smell. If you notice a sweet aroma coming from your engine bay or while driving, it could indicate that coolant is leaking onto a hot engine part and evaporating. 

Steam or Smoke from the Hood

If you see steam or smoke coming from under your hood, especially if it's accompanied by an overheating engine, it’s a sign that coolant might be leaking and hitting hot engine components. This situation is potentially very hazardous as it can indicate a significant coolant leak that needs immediate attention.

Cooling System Repair in Sedona, AZ

When you need auto repair in Sedona and the surrounding area, contact Red Rock Auto Center at (928) 451-7431. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!