Car trouble · Overheating & leaks

My car is leaking coolant or smells sweet

A bright green, orange or pink puddle, or a sweet syrupy smell, means coolant is getting out somewhere.

Get to it this week

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

  1. A cracked radiator hose or loose clamp

    most likely · Doable with tools and a free afternoon

    How to check: With the engine cool, squeeze the big rubber hoses to the radiator. Soft, swollen or cracked hoses, or crusty residue at the ends, show where it leaks.

  2. A worn radiator cap

    possible · Most people can do this

    How to check: With the engine cool, look at the rubber seal on the radiator or reservoir cap. A cracked or flattened seal lets coolant boil out.

  3. A leaking radiator or water pump

    possible · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: Look for crusty colored stains on the radiator fins or a drip from the front of the engine behind the belts.

  4. A leaking heater core

    less likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: A sweet smell inside the car, a greasy fog on the inside of the windshield, or a damp passenger floor mat point to the heater core.

Be careful

Never open the radiator cap or coolant reservoir on a hot engine — the coolant is under pressure and can scald you. Wait until the engine is cool to the touch. Coolant is poisonous and tastes sweet to pets, so wipe up every spill.

Your car — the counter needs this

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My engine is overheating
My car is leaking coolant or smells sweet — likely causes and the parts · DriverRuns