Your car’s cooling system is critical for maintaining engine performance and preventing costly damage. Recognizing early warning signs of a failing cooling system can save you from expensive cooling system repairs and related breakdowns.
To help you identify the problem early, we have included the five most common signs of cooling system failure within this guide. If you have already identified these symptoms and want to understand the cause, please visit our guide on what causes coolant to leak for more information.
1. White smoke from the exhaust
Seeing white smoke from your car’s exhaust is a potential sign of a blown head gasket. This happens when coolant leaks into the engine’s combustion chamber, producing steam. Ignoring this problem can lead to severe engine damage, so addressing it promptly is essential.
2. Bubbles in the coolant recovery tank
Bubbling in the coolant recovery tank often indicates a leak in the cooling system or a head gasket issue. This happens when combustion or exhaust gasses are leaking across the head into the coolant due to a blown head gasket. Keep an eye out for excessive bubbles, as this could mean your cooling system is struggling to function properly.
3. Puddle under the car
Noticed a mysterious puddle forming under your vehicle? This could be coolant leaking due to a cracked radiator, a failing water pump, or damaged hoses. Coolant leaks not only lead to overheating but can also leave you stranded if the system fails entirely.
4. Excessive moisture inside the windshield
If your windshield fogs up excessively, it could be due to a leaking heater core, which is a critical component of the cooling system. This issue often comes with a sweet smell of antifreeze inside the vehicle and needs immediate attention to prevent further damage.
5. Wet floor mats in the footwells
Wet carpets or mats in your car’s footwell may point to a heater core or cooling system leak. When coolant seeps into the cabin, it can saturate floor mats and create an uncomfortable driving experience. Resolving the issue quickly is essential to protect both your vehicle and your wallet.
How to fix your cooling system issues
Cooling system repairs can be costly if you choose to replace faulty parts, with some repairs running up to $3,500. However, there’s a budget-friendly alternative. If you have spotted the issue early and the leak has not caused extensive damage, you should first try using a coolant leak repair product like K-Seal to save you money and time.
What is K-Seal?
K-Seal is a trusted coolant leak repair solution that seals cracks and leaks in components like the radiator, water pump, heater core, and head gasket. It’s compatible with all types of coolant and can save you time and money by avoiding expensive mechanical repairs.
Using K-Seal
- Shake the bottle – Shake the K-Seal bottle vigorously to mix the formula thoroughly.
- Pour into the system – Add the entire bottle to your radiator or coolant recovery tank. For small systems, use only part of the bottle, ensuring it’s well-mixed first.
- Run the engine – Start your vehicle and allow it to reach its normal operating temperature. This allows K-Seal to circulate and seal leaks effectively.
For additional guidance, please visit our detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use K-Seal.
Prevent further damage with K-Seal
If you spot any of these five warning signs, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. The expense of repairs, such as a head gasket repair cost, can be very high. Use the cooling system sealer K-Seal to fix coolant leaks quickly, reliably, and affordably. To find your nearest retailer, use our helpful stockist search and get back on the road!
