Your vehicle’s cooling system plays a crucial role in preventing your engine from overheating. When there’s a coolant leak, it can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. To protect your engine and avoid costly repairs, it's important to recognize the signs of a coolant leak. At East Windsor Auto, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater East Windsor, CT area. Here are five signs that you may have a coolant leak.

Low Coolant Levels 

One of the most straightforward signs of a coolant leak is a drop in your coolant levels. If you frequently need to top off your coolant, there’s likely a leak somewhere in the system. It’s important to regularly check your coolant levels and investigate any sudden or consistent decreases. To stay safe, remember to only check/add coolant after the engine has cooled down.

Overheating Engine 

Your engine relies on coolant to maintain a safe operating temperature. If there’s a leak, your engine may not get the necessary cooling it needs, leading to overheating. If you notice your temperature gauge rising into the red zone or see a warning light on your dashboard, it could be due to a coolant leak.

Puddles Under Your Vehicle 

Coolant leaks often leave visible puddles under your vehicle. Coolant is commonly a bright green, orange, or pink fluid (although yours could be a different color), making it easy to distinguish from other types of automotive fluids. If you notice a colorful puddle under your car, it’s likely time to check for a coolant leak.

Sweet Smell 

Coolant has a sweet, distinct odor. If you smell something sweet around your vehicle, particularly near the engine, it’s a good indication that coolant is leaking. This smell might be more noticeable after you’ve been driving and the engine is hot.

White Exhaust Smoke 

If coolant leaks internally, it can create white exhaust smoke. This is often a sign of a more serious issue, such as a blown head gasket, which allows coolant to enter the combustion chamber. If you notice white smoke coming from your exhaust, you should have your vehicle inspected ASAP.

Cooling System Repair in East Windsor, CT

For auto repair in East Windsor and the surrounding area, contact East Windsor Auto at (860) 266-5573. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!