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How To Identify A Chevy Coolant Leak

Published on May 13, 2025 by Sarchione

A Chevy coolant leak can lead to bigger problems if it's not caught early. Your car’s cooling system helps keep the engine at the right temperature. When that system has a leak, your engine might get too hot. This can cause major damage and expensive repairs. You don’t have to be a car expert to notice something is wrong. You just need to know what signs to look for.

Watch for strange smells or puddles

Sometimes, the first sign you’ll notice is a sweet smell. That comes from coolant leaking onto a hot engine part. You might also see a puddle under your car. Coolant often looks green, orange, or pink. It usually pools under the front of the car, but it can leak from other places too. If you spot this, it’s a good idea to get your car checked before the problem gets worse.

Keep an eye on the temperature gauge

If your car starts to get too hot, your dashboard will usually warn you. The temperature gauge may move up quickly, especially while you're driving. Steam from under the hood is another warning sign. Overheating can happen fast when coolant is low. That’s why it’s important to notice changes early and not wait to see if it fixes itself.

Look at the coolant level

Your Chevy has a coolant tank, and you can see the level through the plastic. If the level keeps going down, your car might be losing coolant through a leak. Make sure to check the level when the engine is cool. If you see the tank running low more than once, it’s time to get help. This can be a sign that something is leaking somewhere in the system.

Notice any white smoke from the exhaust

White smoke coming from the exhaust can mean coolant is getting into the engine in a place it shouldn’t be. This usually points to a bigger issue like a blown gasket. While this type of problem may not happen as often, it’s a serious one. If you ever see thick white smoke and your engine feels different, it’s best to stop driving and reach out for help.

Know where leaks like to start

Leaks often come from places like the radiator, hoses, or the water pump. Hoses can wear out over time or come loose. Radiators can crack. The water pump, which helps move the coolant around, can wear out too. Even the radiator cap can cause a leak if it stops holding pressure. If any of these parts have a problem, coolant can slowly or quickly leak out.

Let us take care of your cooling issues

Coolant leaks aren’t always easy to find. Sometimes they happen in places that are hard to see. Other times, a small problem grows bigger without warning. That’s why we always suggest letting trained experts take a look. At Sarchione Chevy of Randolph, our service department in Randolph, OH can check your system and fix any coolant leak before it turns into a bigger issue. We use the right tools and know exactly what to look for. Whether it’s a worn hose or a bigger engine issue, we’re ready to help get your Chevy back to normal.


Coolant leaks may seem small at first, but they can turn serious fast. If you notice any signs like puddles, smells, smoke, or rising temperatures, don’t ignore them. We’re here to help you keep your Chevy safe and running smoothly. Schedule a visit with us and let our team take care of the problem before it gets worse.

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