Coolant Leak in Hillsboro, KS
The short answer
A green, orange or pink puddle with a sweet smell is almost always coolant, which means the cooling system is losing the fluid that keeps your engine cool.
It often starts as a few drops by the front tire after a long drive home from McPherson, then a sweet smell through the vents on the next cold morning. Coolant leaks do not heal themselves, and they are much cheaper to fix before the engine runs hot. Bring it in, or we will come and get it.
Call or text (620) 416-0008. Describe the noise. We'll do the rest.
We answer texts the same day we get them.
Coolant leaks, decoded
Tap the ones that sound like yours.
You ticked 0. That is worth a look.
Text us which onesHow we track down a coolant leak
We find the leak under pressure. Some coolant leaks only open up when the system is hot and pressurized, so we test it that way instead of just looking.
We fix it properly. A new hose, clamp or water pump fixes the leak without a bottle of stop-leak that can clog the rest of the system.
We refill with the right coolant. Different vehicles use different types, and mixing them can cause problems later.
You approve the price before we start. Afterward we run the engine up to temperature and check that it holds.
Why Hillsboro brings its coolant leaks to Moxie
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Pressure-tested, not guessed
We find hidden leaks before they cause an overheat.
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An ASE-certified technician
Our technician is ASE certified in engine repair, automatic transmissions and drivetrains, and Moxie pays for ASE testing for the whole team.
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NAPA 24/24 warranty
Repairs carry the NAPA nationwide warranty for 24 months or 24,000 miles.
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We come and get it
We serve drivers across Marion, Harvey, McPherson, Chase and Lyon Counties, with free pickup and delivery within 40 miles of the shop.
Call or text (620) 416-0008. Describe the noise. We'll do the rest.
Coolant leak myths we hear at the counter
Hover or tap a card to flip it.
Sounds like yours? Tell us what it is doing and we will tell you straight.
Can I keep driving?
Short trips only, while watching the temperature gauge closely.
A slow drip will usually get you to the shop if you keep the coolant topped up and watch the gauge. The risk is that a small leak turns into a big one without warning, and an engine that overheats can be badly damaged within a few miles. If the needle climbs, you see steam, or the level drops fast, stop driving and call us.
Stop driving and call us if
- The temperature gauge climbs or a hot engine warning comes on
- Steam is coming from under the hood
- Coolant is pouring or spraying rather than dripping
- You see milky oil on the dipstick or white smoke from the exhaust
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What makes coolant leak around here
- Cracked or soft radiator hoses, which age quickly through hot Kansas summers and cold winters
- A radiator that has corroded or been hit by a stone on a gravel road
- A failing water pump, which often leaks from a small weep hole
- A leaking heater core inside the dash
- A loose clamp or a worn radiator cap that no longer holds pressure
- A head gasket that is leaking coolant into the engine, which is less common but more serious
How we diagnose a coolant leak in Hillsboro
- We check the color and location of the leak, and ask when you notice it.
- We pressure-test the cooling system to make small or hidden leaks show themselves.
- We check hoses, clamps, the radiator, the water pump and the cap.
- If coolant is disappearing with no outside leak, we test for a head gasket or heater core problem.
- We show you the leak and give you a price before any work starts.
A coolant leak across five Kansas counties
We look after drivers across Marion County, Harvey County, McPherson County, Chase County and Lyon County, with free pickup and delivery within 40 road miles of 611 Orchard Dr, Hillsboro.
Coolant leak questions we hear every week
How can I tell if the puddle is coolant?
Coolant is usually bright green, orange or pink, feels slightly slimy, and smells sweet. Engine oil is brown or black, and transmission fluid is often red. If you are not sure, text us a photo of the puddle.
Is it safe to drive with a coolant leak?
A slow leak is usually okay for short trips if you keep the level up and watch the gauge. The danger is overheating, which can seriously damage the engine. If the needle climbs or you see steam, pull over and shut it off.
Where is my coolant going if there is no puddle?
It may be leaking inside the engine, through a head gasket, or inside the dash, through the heater core. It can also leak onto hot parts and evaporate before it drips. We pressure-test the system to find out which.