Why is my antifreeze leaking?

Antifreeze leak or a coolant leak is not something to overlook. Antifreeze is an important part of keeping the engine cool and keeping you warm in the winter months. Antifreeze leak can happen through engine gaskets, coolant hoses, radiators and water pumps. The best way to find a leak is to have your mechanic look at the vehicle and pressure test the cooling system. Here are a few things to look for to get an idea of what might be leaking.

Why is antifreeze leaking under the bumper?

If you have antifreeze leaking under the front bumper or very front of the vehicle, you most likely have a radiator leaking or radiator hose leaking. The radiator is located in the front so it gets the most fresh air through to cool the engine coolant and keep your engine cool.

Why is my car leaking coolant at the front of the engine?

This could be the water pump or timing cover gasket. These components are located on the front of the engine block and are the most common issue when the coolant leak is coming from the front of the engine. 

Why is coolant leaking down the side of the engine?

This is commonly a head gasket issue or intake gasket. There are engine frost plugs, but they are not that common to leak. With a proper cleaning and inspection your mechanic should be able to locate the exact point of the leak. 

With so many places to leak antifreeze,guessing is never the right choice. We always recommend a proper coolant system pressure check to find the leak you are experiencing. This list is just common problems and antifreeze or coolant can follow lines and cracks, so it may be something in another area thats leaking. Remember properly diagnosing the problem is always cheaper than just repairing a guess. Give Mad Hatter Auto Repair a call in Omaha (402) 330-2286 or Council Bluffs (712) 322-7500. Wed be happy to figure out your leaks and save you costly time and money!