Coolant Loss: Why It Happens and How to Fix It Before It Costs You
When your car starts running hot or you notice puddles under it, coolant loss, the gradual or sudden decrease of engine coolant fluid needed to regulate temperature. Also known as antifreeze leakage, it’s one of the most common but dangerous issues you can ignore. Coolant isn’t just water—it’s a mix designed to absorb heat, prevent freezing, and stop corrosion. If it’s disappearing, your engine is one step away from seizing up.
Most coolant loss starts small: a cracked hose, a loose clamp, or a worn radiator cap. But it can also come from bigger problems like a failing radiator, the main component that cools engine fluid before recirculating it, a damaged water pump, the mechanical part that pushes coolant through the engine and radiator, or even a blown head gasket. You might not see a leak right away—some coolant evaporates into steam, especially if the system is under pressure. That’s why checking the reservoir level weekly matters. If it’s dropping without visible spills, you’ve got an internal issue.
Ignoring coolant loss doesn’t just mean a hot engine. It leads to warped cylinder heads, cracked blocks, or a total engine rebuild—all of which cost thousands. The good news? Most causes are fixable if caught early. You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot the warning signs: a sweet smell under the hood, white smoke from the exhaust, or the temperature gauge creeping into the red. These are clues your cooling system is failing, and they’re covered in detail across the posts below.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides from UK drivers who’ve dealt with coolant problems. From how to test your radiator for leaks to understanding why a bad thermostat can mimic a water pump failure, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll learn what to check first, which tools actually help, and when it’s time to call a pro. No theory. No fluff. Just what works.
