Why Is My Coolant Level Low?

August 4, 2025

(And What It Means for Your Engine’s Health)

If you’ve popped the hood lately and noticed your coolant tank looking a little empty, don’t brush it off. Low coolant levels can quickly turn into overheating, engine damage, and a whole lot of stress.

At Wayside Garage, we see this issue all the time—and the good news is, it's usually fixable when caught early.

🔍 What Causes Low Coolant Levels?

There are a few common culprits behind disappearing coolant:

■ Leaks – This is the #1 reason. Leaks can happen in the radiator, hoses, water pump, or heater core.

■ Evaporation over time – While rare, coolant can slowly evaporate if caps or connections are loose.

■ Blown head gasket – This is a more serious cause, where coolant leaks internally into the engine.

■ Faulty radiator cap – If it’s not holding pressure, it can allow coolant to escape as vapor.

■ Neglected maintenance – Old or contaminated coolant can corrode the system and lead to leaks.

🚨 Signs You May Be Losing Coolant

Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

■ A low coolant warning light on your dash

■ The temperature gauge rising quickly after startup

■ A sweet smell under the hood (yes, coolant smells sweet!)

■ Puddles under your car, especially near the front

■ No heat from your vents on cold mornings

🧰 What Should You Do if Coolant Is Low?

✅ 1. Don’t Just Top It Off and Drive

It might seem like a quick fix, but just adding coolant doesn’t solve the problem if there’s a leak or deeper issue.

✅ 2. Schedule a Cooling System Inspection

At Wayside Garage, our certified technicians perform a pressure test to check for leaks, inspect hoses and connections, and evaluate your radiator and water pump.

✅ 3. Follow the Maintenance Plan

Coolant needs to be flushed and replaced every 30,000–50,000 miles (or every 2–3 years) depending on your vehicle. This is part of our Annual Maintenance Plan, which helps prevent buildup and corrosion in your system.

🔧 Fix It Early, Avoid Bigger Repairs

Low coolant can cause:

■ Engine overheating

■ Warped cylinder heads

■ Costly repairs if left unchecked

The sooner we inspect it, the more likely we can fix it with just a hose or cap replacement, not an engine overhaul.

🛠️ Maintenance Plan Tip from Wayside Garage

Coolant checks are included in your Comprehensive Annual Inspection through the Wayside Maintenance Plan. Staying on schedule helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

📅 Let’s Check It Before Summer Heats Up

With warmer days ahead, now’s the perfect time to make sure your cooling system is in top shape. If you’ve noticed your coolant level dropping, let our team take a look before it becomes a bigger issue.