If you’re like most people, dealing with car problems don’t exactly top your list of appealing activities. For that reason, it can be tempting to ignore initial signs of potential problems hoping they’ll somehow go away, but this is never a good approach. Car issues don’t disappear, and if they involve engine coolant leaks, small problems can quickly get out of control.
Engines that are running too cold experience decreased fuel economy, sluggishness, and may not function at all if outdoor temperates are below freezing for significant lengths of time. If the engine becomes overly hot, it can be seriously damaged to the point where it costs a susbtantial sum to repair or replace it. Overheated engines also pose a serious safety risk because they can easily catch on fire.
As with most circumstances involving vehicle malfunctions, early detection is essential to keeping repair bills down. Following are five reasons symotoms of coolant leaks in your vehicle that you should never ignore.
An Overheated Engine
Signs that your engine has overheated include steam coming from under the hood and a dashboard temperature guage with an arrow in the red zone. Immediately stop your car as soon as you can safely do so and contact your roadside assistance provider or a local towing company to take your car to a nearby auto repair shop — the vehicle is no longer safe to drive.
White Smoke Coming From the Exhaust
Smoke that’s whiter than usual coming from the exhaust pipe is another possible sign of a coolant leak. This can happen when there’s a crack in the engine block or other condition such as a blown head gasket. These circumstances can create so much pressure that the coolant is forced into the cylinder, causing it to turn to steam each time the cyliner fires up.
Puddles of Coolant Under the Car
One of the most easy-to-spot signs of coolant leaks is a puddle on the ground or pavement where the car has been parked. Coolants colors are generally in the pink/red or blue/green color range. It’s a good idea to routinely inspect your driveway for signs of leaks so that you can get your car to an auto repair shop before serious damage occurs.
Depleted Coolant Levels
You should also check your vehicle’s fluid levels on a regular basis — engine liquid levels going down too quickly is often the first sign of a leak. The coolant reservoir is a clear plastic bottle situated on the radiator pipe. BY
Bubbles on the Radiator Surface
Small bubbles on the surface of the radiator are another sign that your vehicle may be leaking coolant. However, they could also mean cracks in the head gasket or engine, so don’t hesitate to have your car inspected by a professional.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you suspect your car has a coolant leak or other mechanical issues.