Posted on 1/30/2026
Coolant leaks almost never start with a dramatic puddle under the car. More often, it’s a slow loss you notice when the reservoir level keeps dropping, or a sweet smell that shows up after you park. The risky part is that an engine can run “mostly normal” right up until the moment it gets hot, and overheating is where costs jump fast. Catching a small leak early usually means a straightforward repair and fewer surprises later. Why A Small Coolant Leak Can Turn Serious Your cooling system is pressurized when the engine warms up. Pressure helps raise the coolant’s boiling point and keeps heat moving out of the engine efficiently. When there’s a leak, pressure drops. That makes it easier for coolant to boil and create hot spots, especially in traffic or during longer drives. Leaks also tend to grow. Rubber hoses soften, clamps lose tension, plas ... read more