Coolant Leaks: Why They Matter and How to Prevent Costly Damage in Alpharetta, GA
Every driver in Alpharetta dreads seeing a mysterious puddle under their car. At first glance, it’s hard to tell what the liquid is and where it’s leaking from. If that puddle is
coolant (antifreeze), it’s not something to ignore. Coolant leaks are more than just a minor mess – they can lead to
overheating, severe engine damage, and expensive repairs if left unaddressed. In this post, we’ll dive into why coolant leaks matter, how to spot them, and what to do to protect your engine, and wallet.
What Does Coolant Do and Why Is It Important?
Coolant (also called antifreeze) is the lifeblood of your engine’s cooling system. It circulates through the engine, transmission and radiator to absorb heat and keep the engine at a safe operating temperature. Without coolant, your engine would overheat in minutes.
Key roles of coolant include:
- Preventing Overheating
- Preventing Freezing
- Protecting Engine Components
Because coolant is so critical,
losing coolant from a leak is a serious concern. Even a slight coolant loss reduces the system’s ability to control temperature.
What Causes Coolant Leaks in Alpharetta Vehicles?
Some of the most common causes we see at America’s Service Station Alpharetta include:
- Damaged Radiator
- Worn Hoses or Loose Clamps
- Leaking Water Pump
- Cracked Overflow Reservoir
- Blown Head Gasket
Our shop (just off GA-400) sees a lot of vehicles with these exact issues.
How Do I Know If My Car Has a Coolant Leak?
If you’re searching for “coolant leak Alpharetta GA,” chances are you’re already seeing one of these warning signs:
- Bright green, orange, or pink puddles under your vehicle
- Sweet syrupy smell near the hood or vents
- Engine temperature gauge climbing higher than normal
- Low coolant warning light
- Cool air blowing when the heater is on
- Steam from under the hood
If your car is showing any of these signs, it’s critical to bring your car in immediately. Scheduling an inspection at our Alpharetta auto repair shop could mean the difference between a small repair vs. a costly one.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Coolant Leak
Delaying service can lead to:
- Rapid Overheating
- Engine Failure or Warping
- Blown Head Gasket
- Towing & Breakdown Costs
- Massive Repair Bills
We’ve seen it time and time again here in Alpharetta: a customer ignores a small drip, and a month later, their engine needs major work. It’s far more affordable to catch coolant issues early.
What Should I Do If I Suspect a Coolant Leak in Alpharetta?
- Check your coolant level (when the engine is cool)/or visit a professional
- Look for visible leaks or steam
- Watch your temperature gauge
- Avoid removing radiator caps while hot (Use Extreme Caution! Removing the caps can result in a volcano-like explosion and result in burns)
- Book an inspection at America’s Service Station Alpharetta
Radiator & Cooling System Repair Near Me
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