Q: After smoking, car will not hold coolant.
My car overheated and when we tried to put more coolant in it, it just drained out the bottom. It smoked like crazy right before breaking down.
Recommended Services
| Car is overheating Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
| Radiator Replacement | $353.55 - $1403.40 | Get a Quote |
You may have a leak in your radiator. If you poured more coolant into it and it came right back out a leak exists somewhere. If the leak is that fast, it should be obvious to the eye without having to perform a pressure test on the system. Try to determine where the coolant is coming from exactly. If assistance is needed enlist the help of a professional from YourMechanic to inspect and replace your radiator if necessary. The smoke may have been related to the engine or radiator over heating.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How do I turn the Blind Spot Monitor on and off?
The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) detects when a vehicle is entering an area you can’t see with your regular mirrors. It can help prevent an accident if you attempt to switch lanes by alerting you to a vehicle in your...
Door popping noise
Hi, a certified technician would be able to inspect the exhaust system to find the leak. As for the door making a noise, typically it is from metal rubbing. You can check the seam in the panels for damage. If...
Brake pedal sinks
This is a sign of a potential vacuum leak in the brake booster. When there is not enough vacuum in the brake booster, this will cause a hydraulic pressure drop resulting in a soft brake pedal. If you'd like, a...
Temperature fluctuates up and down
The coolant fan switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-fan-relay-replacement) helps to maintain the proper coolant temperature by turning on and off at specific temperature thresholds. When this switch is not working properly, this can cause the fans to come on intermittently, all the time...
My 1991 Chevy Silverado hesitates at times and stumbles at idle when taking off from a start
If your fuel pressure is low or you have sticking clogged injectors you may get the hesitation and stumble on acceleration but run good at cruise. Also if you have some carbon build up on the valves and throttle body...
Where is the fuel pump cut off switch?
The fuel pump cut off switch is located behind the lower passenger scuff panel under the dash by the A-pillar. If you need further assistance with fuel cut off switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-shut-off-switch-replacement), then seek out a professional, such as one from...
My 2010 jeep compass is burning alot of gas...can u tell me what it is....the engine light not on
There are a number of things that can cause poor fuel mileage. A faulty camshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) is one of them. The camshaft position sensor is a magnetic sensor that monitors camshaft speed to regulate ignition timing and fuel...
Why does my car overheat at idle
Your car is only three years old and so should not need transmission fluid. If the level was low, you should check to be sure there is not a leak. It's very easy to overfill the transmission so it would...
The clutch was slipping, started working fine again, and shortly thereafter it wouldn't shift out of neutral.
If the clutch is slipping while "released" (engaged with the flywheel), the clutch friction material must be replaced as well as possibly other components such as the pressure plate, throw out bearing and other components. In addition, the flywheel has...
Related articles
How Often Do I Need to Top Off My Coolant?
"Coolant" is a term used to refer to radiator fluid. The purpose of coolant is to circulate through the engine compartment...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re Single
When When you’re buying a vehicle that needs to meet the requirements of all kinds of passengers the process can prove to be rather tricky. However, if you happen to be single, you’re the one in control, and your list...
How to Buy a Good Quality Thermostat
While While many people are familiar with the major parts in their vehicle, there are all kinds of smaller parts that play a vital role as well. The thermostat is one of those parts that many don't think about, but...
Browse other content
Maintenance
Estimates
Services