First, check your tires. Check the entire tire for tread wear. Using a penny, place it inside the tread with Abe’s head sticking down. If you can see the top of his hair then it’s time for new tires. Tread depth is not the only thing you should check though, also check the entire tire for signs of cracking and heat wear. Tires older than 5 years start to crack after being through so many heat cycles, these tires are more susceptible to blow outs when put under a lot of stress. Lastly, check the inflation pressure to make sure it’s correct. The factory specs can be found in the driver door jam. Tires should be adjusted when cold.

Now while you’re there, see if you can take a peek at those brake pads to make sure they still have enough life. Some cars are easier than others, but if you have a small mirror it also helps. A brake pad has an inside lining and a outside backing plate. The inner lining (inside pad material) should be thicker or at least as thick as the backing plate. If the inside is lower than the outside, it probably is time for new brakes.

Lastly pop the hood open and check all the fluids. The main fluids to keep an eye on are the engine oil, and the engine coolant as well as the transmission fluid if your vehicle is automatic. The most important thing is that the fluids are full, if they are discolored then you’ll probably want to get each system checked and serviced.

Lastly check the battery. Is there any corrosion you can see? Corrosion is caused by hydrogen being released from the acid in your battery and depending on which terminal it’s on, it could mean it’s overcharging or undercharging. An overcharging battery will corrode the Positive (+) terminal while an under-charging battery will corrode the negative (-) terminal. Most auto repair shops or parts stores will run a battery test for you free of charge.

Now that everything is checked you can head out on the road with peace of mind. Don’t forget to take a quick peek under the hood every time you stop for gas. If ever you are unsure of your vehicle’s road worthiness feel free to stop by MR Auto SD and more than happy to check it out and make sure you and your car make it wherever you need to go safely.

I know, the last thing you want now is to have to pay a tow fee. Keep in mind however that this is a small cost compared to a hefty repair bill from a severely overheated engine. After the leak has been properly diagnosed and repaired, your vehicle will be back on the road in no time.

There are really only a few number of ways your vehicle could be losing coolant.

The first is that the coolant is leaking externally. Over time rubber hoses, plastic components or gaskets start to fail from wear and tear and allow coolant to leak. You may start to notice small drips or puddles when the car has been sitting for a while.

Another way coolant is lost is the radiator cap can no longer handle the pressure of the cooling system. When the cap fails and can’t hold pressure, coolant will boil and usually leak out from the radiator cap.

Last but not least, it can be leaking internally and burning out through the combustion chamber. This will also cause a noticeable difference in how the engine runs, in that it will either no run correctly, overheat or cause excessive white smoke exiting the tail pipe. This type of leak can also be the most costly, and is usually a result of running the engine too long while it is overheating.

Not all coolant leaks happen suddenly, but it doesn’t mean you should put a coolant leak off until it is too late. Always make sure your vehicle has enough coolant because it is vital to it’s proper day to day operation. If you do not know how to check, the good folks here at MR Auto SD are here to help educate you or help you with your repair needs. Feel free to stop by or give us a ring!