A small puddle of orange or green liquid in the driveway may not seem like the end of the world. In fact, it may be difficult to even notice. If those drops continue to go unnoticed and repairs aren’t made, it could result in serious issues with your car. That fluid is coolant, and a coolant leak should never be ignored.

What does coolant do?

Coolant plays a critical role in engine performance by keeping all moving parts operating at an optimal temperature. A small coolant leak noticed early is usually a relatively quick and inexpensive repair. However, if the leak continues until the coolant system is empty, it could spell disaster. This will almost certainly lead to damage that will be expensive to fix.

What will a coolant leak do to a car?

Loss of coolant can cause your car to overheat, which can easily lead to a breakdown. This will leave you stranded and waiting for a tow truck to take you to the nearest mechanic. As bad as this scenario might sound, a coolant leak can ultimately lead to much greater problems.

If you drive with no coolant to help keep the engine functioning properly, you can blow the head gasket. This is a far more expensive repair than just fixing the original leak. As a result, your car will be in the shop for a few days. In addition to a major bill, this will be a major disruption in your life.

An even worse scenario would be that your engine runs without coolant for so long that the block melts. If this occurs, you either need a complete engine replacement or a new car. This is precisely why it is critical to address a small coolant leak before it becomes a major issue.

Don’t neglect that little leak

It may just seem like a small thing, but a coolant leak is nothing to mess around with. Before you run into big problems, contact Xpress Lube. We will get to the root of the issue and make the necessary repair.