Coolant leaks are one of the most common vehicle issues and also one of the most dangerous to ignore. If you’ve spotted a puddle of green, orange, or pink fluid under your car, it’s a clear sign something in the cooling system isn’t working properly. While it may be tempting to keep driving, especially if the car still runs fine, doing so can lead to major engine damage.
The real question isn’t just whether the car will keep running. It’s whether it’s safe to drive and for how long before serious trouble begins.
Why Coolant Is So Important
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, regulates the temperature of your engine. It circulates through the engine block, absorbing heat, and then travels to the radiator, where that heat is released. Without it, your engine can overheat quickly—even after just a few minutes of driving.
Coolant also prevents freezing in cold temperatures, lubricates important components like the water pump, and helps prevent corrosion inside the cooling system. When the level drops due to a leak, all of these protective functions are compromised.
How to Identify a Coolant Leak
Coolant leaks often leave behind brightly colored puddles beneath your vehicle. Most coolants are green, orange, or pink and have a sweet smell. If you notice a low coolant warning on your dashboard, a temperature gauge running higher than normal, or steam coming from under the hood, your car may already be in danger of overheating.
A quick visual check of the coolant reservoir can also reveal if you’ve lost fluid. If the level is below the minimum line or the tank looks empty, the system may be leaking or consuming coolant internally.
Should You Keep Driving
Driving with a coolant leak, even a small one, is risky. The leak may be slow at first, but once the coolant level drops below a certain point, the engine can begin to overheat quickly. Overheating can warp engine components, damage the head gasket, or even lead to a complete engine failure.
If the leak is minor and you’re close to a repair shop, you can top off the coolant temporarily, drive a short distance, and keep a close eye on the temperature gauge. However, if you’re not sure how serious the leak is or if the temperature starts to climb, it’s best to stop the engine and call for assistance.
Continuing to drive while overheating is one of the fastest ways to cause thousands of dollars in engine damage.
Common Causes of Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks can come from several parts of the system. A damaged radiator, a cracked hose, a failing water pump, or a loose clamp could be the source. Even the coolant reservoir itself can crack over time due to heat and age.
In some cases, the leak isn’t external. A blown head gasket or cracked cylinder head can cause coolant to leak internally into the engine, where it’s burned off or mixed with oil. These types of leaks are harder to detect but even more serious.
Our technicians use pressure testing and inspection tools to locate the source of the leak and determine whether it’s something simple or more complex.
Why Quick Repairs Are Critical
Coolant leaks don’t fix themselves. Even a tiny drip will eventually lead to overheating or a cooling system failure. Waiting too long to address the issue can turn a minor repair into a major one. Replacing a hose or radiator is relatively affordable. Replacing a warped cylinder head or seized engine is not.
Fixing the leak early also helps maintain engine performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Don Lee’s Tire & Auto – Coolant Leak Diagnosis and Repair in Raleigh, NC
At Don Lee’s Tire & Auto, our technicians know how important a healthy cooling system is to your vehicle’s overall performance. If you’ve spotted a leak or noticed rising engine temperatures, don’t wait. We’ll inspect your system, identify the cause, and get it fixed before it turns into a bigger problem.
Schedule your visit today and protect your engine from unnecessary damage.