How to Spot a Coolant Leak
Repeatedly low coolant means a leak. Spotting it early prevents engine overheating and costly damage.
Signs
A colored puddle (green/orange/pink) under the car, a repeatedly dropping coolant level, a sweet smell, steam from the hood, or a rising temperature gauge.
Common leak spots
Cracked coolant hoses, the radiator, the water pump, the expansion tank, or a head gasket (the worst — may show as milky oil or white exhaust smoke).
What to do
Do not drive while overheating. Inspect visually with a cold engine and watch the level. Mowtar AI reads live coolant temperature and alerts on danger.
FAQ
White exhaust smoke + low coolant?
May indicate a failed head gasket (coolant entering combustion) — needs immediate specialist inspection.
Add plain water temporarily?
In an emergency yes to avoid overheating, but use proper coolant afterward and fix the leak.