Touch the puddle with your finger, then wipe it on a white sheet of paper to see what color it really is. If it is green or orange, it’s likely a coolant leak.
Make sure to check the coolant levels with the vehicle at about the same temperature each time (either warm from driving or cool from sitting). Dropping coolant levels in conjunction with puddles means a coolant leak is very likely. Check in the owner’s or service manual for your vehicle to locate the coolant reservoir if you are unsure of where to find it.
Failing to adequately cool your engine could mean your coolant levels are too low. Coolant can eventually go bad. If the coolant levels are still high but the engine is overheating, one issue may be that the coolant needs to be replaced. If you are uncertain of what the symbols on your gauges mean, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine which is the temperature gauge.
Do not put your hands inside the engine bay with the engine running. Look for any new signs of coolant leaks then follow the coolant to the highest point to locate the crack or hole.
After a few hours, lightly tap the top of the radiator to see if it is cool to the touch. If it’s warm, the coolant inside may still be quite hot. Opening the coolant system while hot will result in heated coolant spraying out, which is extremely dangerous.
Once the vehicle is high enough to slide your container underneath it, place jack stands beneath it to support the weight of the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. Jack stands will prevent the jack from losing pressure and lowering the vehicle while you’re beneath it.
The coolant should be cool coming out of the radiator, but you should still take care to avoid letting it come into contact with your bare skin. Check your owner’s manual for the vehicle’s coolant capacity and make sure you have a container large enough to hold it all at least twice.
If you only allow the engine to run for a few minutes each time, it should not get too warm to drain the radiator. The water will flush out the rest of the bad coolant from the engine.
If you do not have your owner’s manual, check the vehicle manufacturer’s website for fluid capacities. It may take a few minutes for the coolant to drain into the system, so be patient as your pour the new coolant in. If your vehicle’s radiator has a bleeder valve on the top, open it and allow the engine to run for ten minutes to allow any excess air to escape.
You can purchase replacement radiator caps at your local auto parts store. Make sure to ask for a cap that fits your vehicle’s exact year, make and model.
You will likely still need to locate and repair the leak, or replace the radiator after using a leak sealant. Leak sealant is a great option if you need to get your vehicle home or to a repair facility.
Allow the epoxy to set overnight before starting the vehicle. Radiator epoxy can be purchased at most auto parts stores.
You may have to remove body or trim panels to access the radiator bolts or to remove the radiator from the vehicle. You can purchase a new radiator from the vehicle manufacturer or most auto parts stores.
