Your car's cooling system is crucial for keeping the engine at a safe operating temperature, preventing it from overheating. Coolant plays a central role in this process. When a coolant leak occurs, it can lead to engine damage if left unaddressed. At Roy’s Quality Car Care, we provide expert coolant leak repair in the greater Hagerstown area. Here are five signs that your car may be leaking coolant.

Overheating Engine 

If your engine starts to overheat, it may be due to a loss of coolant. The cooling system relies on a steady flow of coolant to keep the engine from reaching dangerous temperatures. If coolant levels drop due to a leak, the engine won't be properly cooled, which can cause it to overheat. If you notice the temperature gauge climbing into the red zone, it's time to safely pull over and let your car cool down before further investigating.

Puddles Under Your Car 

One of the most obvious signs of a coolant leak is the appearance of a puddle underneath your vehicle. Coolant is often a green, orange, or pink fluid, although yours could be a different color. If you see a brightly colored puddle beneath your car, there’s a strong possibility that coolant is leaking. 

Low Coolant Levels 

Regularly checking your coolant level is a good maintenance habit. If you find yourself constantly needing to top off the coolant, it’s a red flag that there may be a leak in the system. To stay safe, it’s important to only check/add coolant after your engine has cooled down. 

Sweet Smell Coming from Your Car 

Coolant has a distinctive sweet smell due to its ethylene glycol content. If you start smelling a sweet aroma coming from your car, it could be a sign that coolant is leaking. 

White Smoke from the Exhaust 

White smoke coming from your exhaust is another sign of a coolant leak, especially if the leak is internal. If this occurs, it often indicates a more serious problem, such as a blown head gasket, and requires immediate attention.

Cooling System Repair in Hagerstown, MD

When you need auto repair in Hagerstown and the surrounding area, contact Roy’s Quality Car Care at (301) 288-3572. At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!