Your car's cooling system plays a crucial role in preventing your engine from overheating. One of the most common issues with the cooling system is a coolant leak, which can cause serious damage to your engine if not addressed promptly. At Prestige Automotive, we provide expert coolant leak repair in the greater Helena area. Here are five signs that indicate your vehicle may have a coolant leak.

Low Coolant Level

One of the most obvious signs of a coolant leak is finding that your coolant level is consistently low. If you have to top off your coolant more frequently than normal, there’s a good chance that there’s a leak somewhere in the system. For safety purposes, remember to only check/add coolant after the vehicle has cooled down.

Overheating Engine

When there's not enough coolant circulating through the engine, it can’t effectively regulate its temperature. As a result, your engine may begin to overheat, which could eventually lead to major damage. If your temperature gauge shows that your engine is running hotter than usual, a coolant leak might be to blame.

Puddles Under Your Car

Coolant is a brightly colored fluid, typically green, orange, or pink (yours could be a different color), and if you notice a puddle of this liquid beneath your vehicle, it’s a strong indication of a coolant leak. This should be brought to the mechanic’s attention ASAP.

White Smoke from the Exhaust

Another potential sign of a coolant leak is white smoke billowing from your exhaust. This often indicates that coolant is leaking internally. This is a serious issue that could be due to a blown head gasket.

Sweet Smell Inside or Around the Vehicle

Coolant has a distinct sweet smell due to its ethylene glycol content. If you notice a sweet odor inside your vehicle or near the engine bay, it could be a sign of a coolant leak. The scent might be more noticeable after the engine has been running for a while and the coolant starts evaporating from the heat.

Cooling System Repair in Helena, MT

When you need auto repair in Helena, MT and the surrounding area, contact Prestige Automotive at (406) 442-2724. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!