Is Your Car Leaking Coolant? Spotting and Fixing the Drip 💧
Finding a puddle under your car can be alarming. If that fluid is bright green, pink, or orange and has a sweet, maple syrup-like smell, you’re likely dealing with a coolant leak. Ignoring this can lead to severe engine overheating and costly repairs.
Common Sources of Coolant Leaks
Not every leak means you need a brand-new radiator. Our technicians at Priebe’s Auto Clinic often find the culprit is one of these common items:
- Worn Radiator Hoses: Over time, rubber hoses become brittle or soft, leading to cracks near the clamps.
- Leaking Water Pump: This pump circulates coolant; if the internal seal fails, you’ll see a steady drip from the front of the engine.
- Failed Expansion Tank: These plastic tanks can develop hairline fractures from the constant heat and pressure of the OKC summer.
When is it Time for a Radiator Replacement?
Sometimes, the radiator itself is the problem. If you have a cracked plastic end tank or a clogged internal core, a replacement is usually the only reliable fix. Below is a picture of a Radiator that has separated from the tank and the nice New Replacement Radiator.
Modern radiators are often made of aluminum with plastic side tanks. While lightweight, these plastic components eventually crack under high pressure. If your temperature gauge is spiking or you have to top off your fluid every few days, a radiator replacement is likely necessary to protect your engine’s head gaskets.
Don’t Guess—Get a Pressure Test
At Priebe’s Auto Clinic, we don’t just “guess” where the leak is. We perform a cooling system pressure test to find the exact source of the drip. This ensures we fix only what is broken, saving you time and money.
📍 4014 N Barnes Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 📞 Call (405) 523-2172 🌐 PACOKC.COM
