Symptoms drivers describe
- Coloured fluid under the front of the car
- Coolant level dropping between checks
- A sweet smell after driving
- White residue or staining around hoses and the radiator
Possible causes
- Perished hoses or failed clips
- A leaking radiator or expansion tank
- A weeping water pump seal
- Thermostat housing or plastic coolant pipe cracks
- A leaking heater matrix, often showing as damp carpets
- Head gasket failure in more serious cases
What you can do
- Check the level cold and note how quickly it drops
- Photograph where the puddle forms — it helps us locate it
- Do not run the engine low on coolant
How we check it in the workshop
We pressure test the cooling system and use dye or inspection to find the exact leak point rather than replacing parts speculatively.
Is it safe to keep driving?
Have it repaired promptly. A slow leak can become a roadside overheat without much warning.