What To Do When You Smell Antifreeze: You May Have a Leak
By Rory Foster - Business Development Center Director
Antifreeze prevents the engine from overheating by flowing outside air through your radiator, as well as preventing the cooling system's water from freezing in the winter. Failure to use antifreeze or a similar coolant can lead to costly repairs including a cracked head gasket or warped cylinders. Though it should always be present within your vehicle, you should not be able to smell it. So what should you do when you smell it? Come to Bo Beuckman's service center, of course!
What does antifreeze smell like?
A natural question you may be asking yourself is "what does antifreeze smell like in the first place?" Many have compared its scent to that of candy or maple syrup. If you can pick up on the distinctly sweet scent coming through the heating vents, it may mean you have a leak.What to do if you suspect you have an antifreeze leak
Numerous issues can cause an antifreeze leak. Some problems are minor-like a loose clamp-so you can fix them yourself. However, other causes are more complex, meaning you may have to replace a defective part. If you suspect you have an antifreeze leak, it's best that you take your vehicle to a trusted service center to be diagnosed by professionals.
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Common signs of an antifreeze leak:
- The vehicle's coolant level in the coolant-recovery tank is suspiciously low despite having been recently refilled.
- The car overheats despite the recent refilling of antifreeze. Many vehicles have an engine temperature warning light on the dashboard that looks like a thermometer with wavy lines next to it or a box with wavy lines inside of it.
- The detection of an unusual, sweet smell coming forth from the vents or while outside the vehicle.
- Splashes of liquid on the pavement beneath your car or truck. It will be brightly colored green, orange, pink, and turquoise.
- Your heater fails to work properly.
- Your radiator shows signs of rust. This would be caused by the fluid landing on hot pipes to quickly burn off, leaving discoloration behind.
To find the source of the possible antifreeze leak:
- Drive the car until it's warmed up before parking on clean pavement. Wait twenty minutes before checking under your car or truck for new fluid drippage on the ground and/or dampness underneath your car or truck. Even if there's no puddle, you're not necessarily in the clear. Pause to see if you detect the smell.
- Turn off the vehicle and let it fully cool. Then, open the hood and search for discoloration around the recovery-tank cap, radiator cap, and nearby hoses.
- Feel around the hose and clamps for moisture (once again, make sure the vehicle is fully cooled). Make sure they're firmly attached and keep an eye out for rips.
- Follow your nose! If the smell of antifreeze is more prominent on the inside than outside, it's likely that the source of the leak comes from inside the engine.
The easiest problems to fix will involve the hose and its clamps. An experienced car owner familiar with basic mechanics may be able to tighten a lax clamp or replace a torn hose. However, as mentioned above, the culprit can be much less obvious and potentially much more damaging. For example, the head gasket could be leaking into the engine cylinders where it's being burned as fuel. This can lead to engine failure, leaving you stranded by the side of the road.
Do you need to bother changing your antifreeze periodically?
Even if you don't suspect that you have a leak, it's a good idea to be mindful of your antifreeze's performance if you haven't renewed it for a while. It gradually loses its anti-corrosive qualities which can lead to rust on the radiator and cap, water pump, hoses, and thermostat. This can damage the parts themselves as well as cause blockage the prevents the necessary flow or heat or coolant. In turn, antifreeze leaks are more likely to occur. Routinely changing your antifreeze is the best way to prevent leaks in the first place. There are many different types of coolant, some which should be refreshed once every five years and others that can be sustained for longer periods. If you know which your car uses, consult with the manual. However, you can also tell based on the color of the liquid itself; if it's turned brown or you see chunks in the consistency, you know it's time to flush the current coolant and replace it with new antifreeze.
If you are unsure how to fix the leak or need assistance, go to a service center immediately.
Bo Beuckman's well-reviewed specialists can diagnose and fix the issue. Our sizable parts inventory means that we're likely to have your vehicle in top driving condition as soon as possible. Give us a call at 636-242-1409 or click here to schedule an appointment.
By Rory Foster - Business Development Center Director
Rory Foster has worked at Bo Beuckman Quality Ford since 1999 after retiring from the Air Force.
By Rory Foster - Business Development Center Director 
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Bo Beuckman Quality Ford
15675 Manchester Road
Ellisville, MO 63011
- Sales: 636-227-5700
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FAQ About Anti-Freeze Leaks and Smells
How can you get rid of the smell of anti-freeze inside your car?
Before tackling the coolant smell inside your car, make sure you've fixed the antifreeze leak-otherwise, your efforts will be in vain. Once that's sorted, start by airing out the car: crack the windows and run the heater or AC to help clear the air. A good deep clean is also key, especially for the carpets and upholstery that tend to hold onto odors. Scrub them down with a quality cleaner-whether that be shampoo, baking soda, or vinegar-and you should notice a big difference.
If my car isn't overheating, is fixing a coolant leak considered an emergency repair?
If your car isn't overheating, fixing the source of the anti-freeze smell might not seem like an emergency, but it's still important to address it sooner rather than later. Even a small leak can lead to bigger problems down the road, such as engine overheating or damage to other components. Plus, the source of the leak can prevent your vehicle from passing inspections in Missouri.
How much does it cost to fix a coolant leak?
The cost to fix the source of the anti-freeze smell can vary widely, as the source of the leak itself can be one of many different possibilities. A simple hose replacement might only set you back $50 to $150, while more complex issues, like a radiator or head gasket leak, could run anywhere from $500 to over $1,000. The Bo Beuckman service center will conduct thorough diagnostics of your vehicle and provide you with an accurate quote.
What preventive measures can I take to avoid coolant leaks in the future?
To avoid future anti-freeze leaks, keep an eye on your coolant levels and top them off when needed, and take a quick look at your hoses and radiator now and then for any cracks or signs of wear. Also, make sure to get your coolant flushed and replaced as recommended in your car's maintenance schedule. These easy steps can save you from bigger headaches later on.
What are additional repairs I should address before winter?
While it's important to take good care of your vehicle year-round, it's particularly important when confronting harsh Missouri winters. After all, the cold, snow, and ice can put extra stress on your car, and early sunset times and low temperatures make breakdowns extra unpleasant.
With this in mind, ensure your battery is in good shape, as cold weather can reduce its performance. Check your tires for tread depth, and consider buying snow chains if you live in an area with infrequent road maintenance. Also, inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if they're worn out, and top off your windshield washer fluid with a winter formula to help with icy conditions. Finally, ensure your heating system is working properly to keep you comfortable and safe on the road.
Other tips? Make sure you know how your specific Ford handles snow so you can maneuver accordingly, and read our tips for responding to the driving risk of deer.