As a car owner, one of the most alarming things to discover is a puddle of liquid under your vehicle. If that liquid is green, orange, or yellow and has a sweet smell, it’s likely coolant. A coolant leak is a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly to avoid costly engine damage.
Symptoms of a coolant leak
There are several telltale signs that your car might be leaking coolant:
- Puddles of sweet-smelling, brightly coloured liquid under your car;
- A sweet smell inside the cabin;
- The engine temperature gauge reading is higher than normal;
- Steam coming from under the hood;
- The low coolant light or engine temperature warning light is turning on.
Common causes of coolant leaks
Coolant leaks can originate from various parts of your car’s cooling system, including:
- Radiator: cracks, corrosion, or damage;
- Hoses: loose clamps, cracks, or holes;
- Water pump: worn seals or gaskets;
- Heater core: cracks or damage;
- Head gasket: failure allowing coolant to leak into the engine.
What’s involved in repairing a coolant leak
The first step is diagnosing the source of the leak. This involves a visual inspection of the cooling system components, and possibly a pressure test.
Once the leak source is identified, the repair will depend on the specific issue. It could be as simple as tightening a loose hose clamp, or as complex as replacing the radiator or head gasket.
After the repair, the cooling system will need to be refilled with the proper mixture of coolant and water and then bled off any air bubbles.
The cost of coolant leak repairs in New Zealand
The cost will vary depending on the severity and source of the leak. A minor leak from a loose hose clamp could cost less than $100 to fix. However, major leaks involving the radiator, water pump, or head gasket could easily exceed $1,000.
At My Auto Shop, our mobile mechanics can diagnose your coolant leak and give you an accurate, upfront quote before any work begins. We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises.
Why choose My Auto Shop for your coolant leak repair
When your car is leaking coolant, the last thing you want to do is drive it to a workshop and wait around. That’s where My Auto Shop comes in.
Our mobile mechanics will come to you, whether you’re at home or at work. We offer convenient, hassle-free service and repairs.
We’re also dedicated to providing top-notch customer service. With hundreds of 5-star Google reviews, you can trust us to take great care of you and your car.
If you suspect your car is leaking coolant, don’t wait. Book an appointment with My Auto Shop today. Our friendly, expert mechanics will have you back on the road safely in no time.