Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is vital to your vehicle’s engine health. It prevents overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter while also lubricating critical engine components. However, if antifreeze leaks, it can lead to serious engine damage and costly repairs.
At Done With Care Auto Repair in Merriam, KS, we specialize in pinpointing coolant system issues with advanced diagnostic tools that no other shop in the Kansas City area offers. Unlike many shops that rely on outdated methods, we use high-resolution borescopes and shop-air-powered coolant pressure tests to provide conclusive results—ensuring complete accuracy in detecting head gasket leaks and other cooling system issues.
Here’s how you can spot an antifreeze leak, understand what causes it, and learn the best solutions to fix the problem.
Signs of an Antifreeze Leak
Detecting an antifreeze leak early can save you from costly engine repairs. Here are the key warning signs:
1. Puddles Under Your Car
- A green, orange, or pink-colored puddle under your car could indicate a coolant leak.
- Antifreeze has a sweet smell, which can help you distinguish it from other automotive fluids.
2. Engine Overheating
- If your temperature gauge climbs into the red zone, you may have a coolant leak.
- Overheating can quickly lead to severe engine damage, including a blown head gasket.
3. A Sweet, Syrupy Smell
- If you notice a sweet odor inside or outside your vehicle, it may be from leaking coolant.
- This smell is often more noticeable when the engine is warm.
4. White Smoke from the Exhaust
- A leaking head gasket can allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber, resulting in white exhaust smoke.
- If this happens, you need immediate repairs to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
5. Low Coolant Levels
- If you’re frequently refilling your coolant, but there’s no visible leak, the coolant may be burning off inside the engine due to a head gasket failure.
6. Heater Not Working Properly
- A low coolant level can prevent your heater from blowing warm air.
- If your heater suddenly stops working, it may be a sign of a coolant system issue.
Common Causes of Antifreeze Leaks
Several factors can lead to antifreeze leaks. Here are the most common:
1. Worn or Damaged Hoses
- Coolant flows through rubber hoses that can degrade over time, leading to leaks.
- Cracks, bulges, or loose clamps can also cause leaks.
2. Radiator Leaks
- The radiator is a common source of coolant leaks due to corrosion or impact damage.
- A leaking radiator may cause overheating and engine damage.
3. Water Pump Failure
- The water pump circulates coolant through the engine.
- A failing water pump can cause leaks at the pump’s gasket or seals.
4. Blown Head Gasket
- A head gasket failure can allow coolant to mix with engine oil or burn inside the combustion chamber.
- This is a severe issue that requires immediate attention.
5. Heater Core Leak
- The heater core is responsible for heating your cabin, and a leak can result in a wet passenger-side floorboard.
- A failing heater core can also cause foggy windows and a persistent coolant smell inside the car.
How We Diagnose and Fix Antifreeze Leaks
At Done With Care Auto Repair, we go beyond basic diagnostics. Here’s how we provide the most accurate leak detection near Kansas City:
1. Advanced Coolant Pressure Testing
- We use shop-air-powered pressure testing instead of hand-pump tests for greater accuracy.
- This method allows us to pinpoint leaks that may not appear under normal driving conditions.
2. High-Resolution Borescope Inspections
- Our technicians use high-resolution borescopes to inspect internal engine components for signs of coolant leaks.
- This is especially useful for identifying head gasket failures that other shops might miss.
3. Conclusive Head Gasket Leak Tests
- We do not use block tests because they can give false positives or negatives.
- Our specialized testing methods provide 100% certainty in diagnosing head gasket issues.
4. Expert Repairs with Quality Parts
- Once we identify the source of the leak, we use only high-quality replacement parts.
- We ensure all repairs meet or exceed manufacturer standards to prevent future issues.
Why Choose Done With Care Auto Repair?
- The Most Advanced Diagnostics – No other shop in the area uses the same high-tech tools we do.
- Honest, Transparent Service – We provide detailed reports and photos of your vehicle’s condition.
- 3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty – We stand behind our work with one of the best warranties in the industry.
- Convenient Communication – We keep you informed with text updates and digital vehicle inspections.
Schedule Your Antifreeze Leak Repair in Merriam, KS
If you suspect a coolant leak or your car is overheating, don’t wait—serious engine damage can occur quickly.
At Done With Care Auto Repair, we provide the most accurate antifreeze leak diagnosis and repair in Merriam, KS, and the Kansas City area. Our advanced tools ensure 100 percent accurate results, so you get the right fix the first time.
Schedule an appointment online or call us at 913-722-3466 today. Visit us at 5810 Merriam Dr, Merriam, KS 66203, and let’s keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
By choosing Done With Care Auto Repair, you’re ensuring that your vehicle receives expert care with the most precise diagnostics near Kansas City. Don’t trust just any shop—trust the best coolant system repair specialists in Merriam, KS.
