Symptoms of Burning Coolant

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is one of the most critical fluids in your vehicle. It’s responsible for absorbing and dissipating excess heat from the powertrain as it loops through the many nooks and crannies of your engine.

So when you notice that your coolant levels have dropped, or other other symptoms of burning coolant, it can be worrying knowing your vehicle is losing the fluid it needs to operate at a safe temperature. In this article, we’ll cover the common symptoms of burning coolant, how these leaks occur, and how it could affect your vehicle.

Symptoms of Coolant Burn

Sweet Smell Around Vehicle

When coolant burns off, it produces a slightly sweet odor. If you notice your vehicle smells a bit like roasted marshmallows, there’s a good chance that sweet smell is coming from coolant burning somewhere within the vehicle.

Low Coolant Levels

This one may be self-explanatory, but keeping an eye on your coolant levels is one of the easiest ways to tell if your vehicle is leaking or burning coolant. A slight amount of coolant loss over time can be normal, but if you notice a low-coolant warning light or a low volume of coolant in the reservoir, the vehicle is likely losing coolant at a rapid rate and should be inspected immediately to ensure your engine does not overheat.

White Smoke From Exhaust

Another common sign of burning coolant is white smoke emanating from the exhaust pipe. This smoke may also carry that same sweet smell we discussed earlier. 

White smoke from the tailpipe likely means the coolant is burning internally within the engine, which means there’s a leak allowing coolant to find its way into the combustion chamber. Internal leaks are never a good idea to let linger, as not only is it depriving your cooling system of crucial coolant but also causing problems in the combustion chamber itself. 

If you notice white smoke coming from your tailpipe, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a trusted professional as soon as possible.

Misfires/Reduced Performance

Internal leakage can also cause efficiency and performance issues, as the coolant leaking into the combustion chamber can prevent the air-fuel mixture from igniting properly, leading to reduced power output, lower MPG, and potentially a misfire that could cause more expensive damage down the line.

Cooling System Maintenance & Repair at Lake City Auto Care

If you suspect your vehicle is burning coolant, or experiencing other cooling system related issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Lake City Auto Care! Our three locations in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and Rathdrum have the equipment and training needed to provide your vehicle with the utmost quality of care and repair. Give us a call or schedule online today to secure your appointment!