Why Is My Car Leaking Coolant? Warning Signs, Causes, and Fixes
- Round Rock Auto Center
- May 19
- 3 min read
Noticing a green, orange, or pink puddle under your vehicle? That’s likely coolant — and it’s something you don’t want to ignore. If you’re asking why is my car leaking coolant, the answer could point to anything from a worn hose to a failing radiator. Left unchecked, a coolant leak can lead to overheating, breakdowns, or even engine damage.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common causes of coolant leaks and how Round Rock Auto Center can help fix the issue fast.
Cracked or Worn Radiator Hoses
Over time, radiator hoses can dry out, crack, or loosen at the clamps. These hoses carry coolant between your engine, radiator, and heater core — so even a small leak can cause big problems.
Watch for:
Steam from under the hood
Coolant puddles near the front of the car
Soft or brittle hoses
We’ll pressure test your cooling system and replace any worn or cracked hoses at Round Rock Auto Center.
Leaking Radiator or Overflow Tank
Your radiator can corrode over time or develop cracks from internal pressure or impact damage. Similarly, a cracked coolant reservoir (overflow tank) can allow coolant to escape as the engine heats up.
Signs include:
Visible cracks in plastic tanks
Constant low coolant levels
Rust or stains near the radiator seams
We’ll inspect your radiator and tank for leaks and recommend replacement if needed to keep your engine cool.
Faulty Water Pump
The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout your engine. A leak at the pump often starts small but will quickly affect engine temperature and performance.
Symptoms of a bad water pump:
Coolant dripping near the front of the engine
Whining or grinding noise
Overheating at idle or in traffic
A failing pump needs to be replaced right away — we can handle it with OEM-quality parts and expert installation.
Damaged Head Gasket
If your coolant isn’t visibly leaking but the level keeps dropping — and your engine is overheating — you could have a blown head gasket. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.
Warning signs:
Milky oil or white smoke from exhaust
Bubbles in the radiator
Overheating despite coolant being topped off
At Round Rock Auto Center, we perform head gasket diagnostics and pressure tests to confirm the issue before it causes engine damage.
Radiator Cap or Thermostat Problems
A worn radiator cap may not hold proper pressure, allowing coolant to escape as vapor or overflow. Similarly, a stuck thermostat can prevent coolant from flowing, causing overheating and eventual leakage at weak points.
Clues include:
Coolant escaping from overflow
Fluctuating temperature gauge
Sudden overheating on short drives
We’ll check your cap, thermostat, and cooling system function as part of every inspection.
Final Thoughts
Still wondering why is my car leaking coolant? Whether it’s a cracked hose or a deeper engine issue, ignoring a coolant leak puts your engine — and your safety — at risk. Coolant loss leads to overheating, and overheating leads to expensive repairs.
At Round Rock Auto Center, we offer expert cooling system diagnostics, repairs, and pressure testing to get your vehicle running cool and clean again.
Book your inspection today before a small leak becomes a major repair.