Coolant Leaking From Car’s Bottom - Signs & Solution

Coolant Leaking From Car’s Bottom – Signs & Solution

Coolant Leaking From Car

December 13, 2024

Coolant Leaking From Car’s Bottom – Signs & Solution

As a car owner, you might find coolant leaking from car. This is a very important liquid that regulates the temperature of your car. Therefore, its leakage is a problem that you need to get fixed as soon as possible.

Today, we will discuss everything you need to know about this liquid and what you can do for a coolant leak fix.

What Is An Engine Coolant?

The engine coolant is a very crucial part of the cooling system of a car. This helps regulate the overall temperature of the engine and does not allow the engine to freeze or overheat.

The coolant can be found in the engine’s radiator, which is a combination of half water and half antifreeze. This coolant is circulated throughout the radiator, engine, and heater with the help of a pump. This car cooling system keeps your vehicle running at the proper temperature, irrespective of how hot or cold the outside temperature is.

When there is a shortage of coolant in your engine, maybe due to the coolant leaking from car, it can cause overheating, which can lead to permanent damage to your car, rendering it useless without an expensive repair. If you find there is a shortage of coolant or notice the liquid leaking, address it as soon as possible.

Signs Of An Engine Coolant Leaking From Car

1. A puddle of lime-green liquid under your car. The colour of the puddle varies as different colour dyes like orange, pink or blue-green are used to differentiate other liquids in the engine from the coolant for car.

2. After driving your car, you notice a sweet aroma around the outside. This scent is of the antifreeze, which is present in the coolant.

3. The temperature of your car is too hot or overheating.

Locating The Coolant Leak

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, there is a high chance that there is coolant leaking from bottom of car, and it needs to be addressed at the earliest. Here are a few steps you can follow to locate the exact position of the leak.

1. Drive your car until it has warmed up, and then park it at a place where the surface below your car is clean and dry.

2. Turn off your engine and wait for it to cool down completely. You can wait for 15 minutes, that will be enough.

3. Come back to the car and see if any puddle has formed anywhere near or under your car. If you find a puddle, your radiator coolant is leaking. Now, lift the hood of your car and check the engine bay for any leakage signs.

4. Check if you can see any residue around the cap of the radiator, hoses all over the engine, or on the radiator itself that is light in colour. Suppose you do not see this liquid check all over the engine compartment. Keep in mind you can sniff around the engine to find the leak because of the distinct sweet smell of the antifreeze.

In case you do not see any puddle but the sweet smell is there, there is a high chance that antifreeze leaking from bottom of car. Thoroughly check under your car, and also check different parts to see if any droplets have accumulated or not.

However, there are many cases where the smell was stronger inside the car than outside. This is a clear sign that the leakage is inside the heater, and you need to consult a mechanic at the earliest.

Additional Measures For Locating Coolant Leakage

Even after following all the steps, if you still can’t locate the place where the coolant is leaking, then check the coolant recovery tank of your car. On the side of a translucent plastic tank, you will find the indicator. Check the level and see if it is between the “min” and “max” markings. A level between the two markings means that the leakage is unrelated to the coolant. But if it is below the minimum, a leak is present, and a coolant leak repair is required.

How To Complete A Coolant Leak Repair?

If you see that the leak is coming from a hose clamp, then you can easily fix it by using a screwdriver to tighten the clamp. However, most situations require the expertise of a mechanic. So, if you see that your coolant is leaking, take your vehicle to the nearest auto care shop for car cooling system service Perth.

Tips For Finding The Right Repair Service

Here are a few tips that you can follow to find the right professional for car coolant leak repair.

1. Ask for Recommendations:
You can start by asking your family and friends for recommendations. They can provide you with accurate information about the reliability and quality of the service of an auto care shop. When you take the help of a service provider that has been recommended by the people you know, you can rest assured that the quality of service will be good and your problem will be solved.

2. Check Qualifications and Certifications:
Make sure that the mechanic you choose has the right certifications and qualifications. To gain certifications and other qualifications, mechanics need to undergo training. Training is required by mechanics so that complex services like car radiator repair can be done with the utmost precision. These credentials show that the mechanic has enough expertise and is committed to providing the perfect service to their customers.

3. Read Reviews and Testimonials:
These are a great way to understand whether a business for car repair Perth is good or not. Websites like Google or Yelp contain names of businesses that operate in your area, along with reviews and ratings left by previous customers. Choose a service with high ratings and plenty of positive reviews.

4. Evaluate Their Facilities:
Visit the mechanic’s shop and check the cleanliness and organization of their facilities. A well-maintained workshop will have everything in place, along with the best equipment for perfect servicing.

5. Inquire About Warranties:
Do not forget to ask about the guarantees and warranties that the auto repair shop offers. Warranties will protect you from mistakes made by the mechanic or when the problem resurfaces just a few days after fixing the issue. Reputable mechanics always offer warranties and guarantees to stand behind their work while ensuring the service is the best in the market.

Wrapping Up

Coolant plays a critical role in keeping your car’s engine working at an optimum temperature. Therefore, coolant leaking from a car becomes a big issue that needs to be fixed. So make sure that if you see puddles of light-coloured liquid underneath your car or you smell a sweet aroma, you get your car checked by a professional.
Yes, you can fix this issue on your own. But it is recommended that you get in touch with a professional. A coolant leak repair cost is quite affordable and gets fixed by a mechanic quite easily, given the issues aren’t too deep. So when you feel your coolant is leaking, contact our car repair shop as soon as possible.

FAQs

1. What does it mean if coolant is leaking from the bottom?

Answer:
A car leaking antifreeze from the bottom means that there is a problem with the hoses, water pump, radiator, heater core, or other parts in the cooling system.

2. Can I drive a car with a coolant leak?

Answer:
Overheating is a big risk. If your car is leaking coolant, that means the car cooling system is not working properly, which can lead to engine overheating, which in turn can damage your car and lead to expensive car repairs.

3. What can I put in my car to stop a coolant leak?

Answer:
Using a high-quality radiator sealant can easily fix water leaks in car.

4. Can I use water instead of coolant?

Answer:
It is a big safety risk to put water into the coolant tank instead of coolant, as this could result in catastrophic breakdowns or accidents.

5. Can I fix a coolant leak myself?

Answer:
Yes, some leaks can be fixed easily; however, some require the skills of a trained mechanic. But it is always recommended to get your car checked, as a coolant leak is a serious issue and should be addressed properly and promptly.

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