Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Engine, exhaust and fluids
Car is losing coolant
Coolant circulates in a closed system and should hardly drop at all. If you have to top it up regularly, there is a leak or the engine is using the liquid. The cause can be visible, such as a dripping hose, but it can also be internal and harder to find.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- The level in the expansion tank drops regularly
- Stains under the car, often greenish, pink or orange, with a sweet smell
- A sweet smell in or around the vehicle
- Misted-up windows or a damp carpet inside the car
- A temperature gauge that climbs more often or higher than usual
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
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A leaking hose or clip
Rubber coolant hoses age and clips can come loose. That often gives a dripping leak.
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The radiator or the water pump
Corrosion or wear can cause a leak at the radiator or water pump.
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The cooling system cap or the expansion tank
A worn cap does not hold the pressure, so liquid evaporates or runs away.
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The heater matrix
A leak there can show up as misted-up windows and damp inside the car.
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An internal leak
If the liquid disappears without a visible leak, it could be the head gasket, for example. This calls for careful investigation.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
For a short trip to the garage you can usually drive, as long as the level is not very low and the temperature stays normal. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If it climbs, stop and have the car towed. Only top up with the type the manufacturer specifies, and never when the engine is hot.
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At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Pressure-testing the cooling system to find leaks
- Inspecting hoses, clips, radiator and water pump
- Checking the cap and the expansion tank
- If an internal leak is suspected: proposing targeted investigation
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
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Stop safely
Engine running too hot: what does a rising temperature mean?
If the temperature gauge climbs towards the red zone or a warning appears, the engine may be overheating. That can cause serious damage within a short time. The cause usually lies in the cooling system, but which part is at fault has to be investigated. Read the explanation -
Check soon
White, blue or black smoke from the exhaust
The colour of the smoke gives a first hint, but never certainty. A little white vapour on a cold start can simply be condensation. Persistent, thick white, blue or black smoke points to a possible problem with coolant, oil or combustion. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Check engine light on: what does it mean and can you keep driving?
The check engine light tells you that the car’s computer has detected a fault in the engine, the exhaust or the fuel supply. The light does not say exactly what is wrong: that takes a diagnostic read-out and a proper check. If it stays on constantly, have it looked at soon. If it flashes, extra care is needed. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.