Your vehicle's cooling system is vital for preventing engine overheating, which can lead to severe damage. Coolant circulates through the engine, absorbing heat and dissipating it through the radiator. If a coolant leak occurs, it can compromise your engine's ability to maintain a safe operating temperature. At Bay Brothers Automotive, our local mechanics are experts at identifying and fixing coolant leaks. Here are five signs that your car might have a coolant leak.

Overheating Engine 

One of the most obvious signs of a coolant leak is an overheating engine. If your temperature gauge is consistently climbing into the red zone, it could mean that there's not enough coolant circulating through the system. Without adequate coolant, your engine can't efficiently dissipate heat, leading to overheating. If you notice this happening, it's best to safely pull over and let your car cool down to avoid engine damage.

Low Coolant Levels 

If you find yourself frequently topping off the coolant, it’s a strong indication that there’s a leak somewhere in the system. While it's normal for coolant levels to drop slightly over time, a significant or consistent loss of coolant suggests a leak. For safety reasons, be sure to only check/add coolant after the engine has cooled down.

Visible Puddles Under the Car 

Another common sign of a coolant leak is the presence of a puddle under your car. Coolant is commonly a bright green, orange, or pink fluid (although your color might be different) with a sweet smell, making it relatively easy to identify.

Sweet Smell 

Coolant has a distinctive sweet smell due to its ethylene glycol content. If you detect this odor either inside or outside your vehicle, especially when the engine is running, it could indicate a coolant leak. 

White Exhaust Smoke 

White exhaust smoke can be a sign of a more severe issue related to a coolant leak. If coolant is leaking into the engine's combustion chamber, it will burn off during the combustion process, resulting in white smoke coming from the exhaust. This is often a sign of a blown head gasket, which is a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

Cooling System Repair in Tampa, FL

When you need auto repair in Tampa and the surrounding area, contact Bay Brothers Automotive at (813) 491-7439. 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!