1. Safety First: Coolant is toxic. Wear gloves if you need to handle anything related to the leak.
2. Locate the Leak: Try to pinpoint where the coolant is leaking from. Is it dripping from the radiator, a hose, the water pump, or somewhere else? Take pictures if possible. This will help a mechanic diagnose the problem.
3. Check Coolant Level (carefully): If the leak isn't obvious, and you're comfortable doing so (the engine is cold!), carefully check the coolant reservoir. Look for the minimum and maximum lines. A severely low level is a bad sign. Don't open the radiator cap while the engine is hot – this is extremely dangerous!
4. Call a Mechanic: This is crucial. A significant coolant leak could indicate a serious problem requiring professional attention. Don't attempt to fix this yourself unless you have extensive automotive experience. Describing the leak's location and severity to a mechanic will help them assess the situation.
5. Don't Drive It: Absolutely do not drive the car until the leak is diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic. Driving with a coolant leak can lead to overheating, engine seizure, and potentially costly repairs or even a need for a new engine.
6. Towing: If the leak is significant, you'll likely need to have the car towed to a mechanic.
Ignoring a coolant leak is risky. The sooner you get it checked by a professional, the better the chances of minimizing damage and expense.
