Q: I am leaking antifreeze

asked by on September 21, 2016

Over the last couple of weeks I have noticed antifreeze leaking from my car. It does not leak while I am driving, but it will leak if I leave my car sitting for longer periods of time (usually longer than 8 hours). I am wondering how I can pinpoint whether the issue is an old water pump or if it is just some old, leaky tubing. I'd like to note that my water pump was last changed around 75k miles ago.

My car has 195000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Ignition switch not working.
The ignition lock cylinder is very common to fail and will move around where the key goes in. The lock cylinder is a simple fix with a replacement lock cylinder. You will have two separate keys unless a locksmith recuts...
brake sinking but still work.
Hello there, a few different faults can cause the vehicle to have poor brake performance like this. The most common causes would be the brake booster (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-hydraulic-brake-booster), brake master cylinder (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-brake-master-cylinder), or a brake fluid leak. When a truck has...
ABS, CEL lights on
If the ABS light is not illuminated, then it's likely operating correctly as it generally illuminate when a fault is present. The leaking of the battery is a cause of concern. It signifies one of two issues: a damaged battery...
Stalling. 2005 Ford Mustang.
Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 2005 Ford Mustang. This could potentially be a faulty fuel pressure sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pressure-sensor-replacement) or possibly also a bad mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) causing an imbalance in the air-fuel ratio. You should...
No A/C or heat and car is overheating
Hello. You may have two problems here. The engine temperature gauge behavior could be a thermostat going nuts as you describe. I would certainly check ground connections for the engine temperature sensor, and the engine-to-chassis connections in general. It may...
Engine burning excessive amount of oil
In order to find out if the amount of oil your engine is consuming you will need to have an oil change. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/change-oil-and-filter) Then you will drive the vehicle for exactly 1000 miles and have the oil level checked and...
When I put it into Drive, it won't barely move, but it will reverse.
Hi there. Unfortunately, this sounds like an internal failure of the transmission. One or more of the components inside the transmission that is required to engage the forward gears has failed. The transmission will require replacement or a rebuild. Unfortunately,...
If you are replacing the heater core on your 2002 Jeep Liberty, would you also replace your thermostat at the same time?
Hi there: Anytime you replace cooling system components; like a heater core, it's always a good idea to replace the thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) at the same time. In most cases, the thermostat is one part that tends to wear out sooner...
Had axles and outer tie rods replaced. Now I hear loud creaking sounds coming from front near middle of van 2007 Chrysler Town & Country
Hi there - your symptoms describe possible worn strut bearing plates (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/new-gas-struts-installed-groaning-noise-like-rubber-on-metal-can-or-should-you-grease-them-by-adam-h), or a power steering rack that is worn. Both tend to "creak' a bit more during cold weather. I recommend a " steering & suspension inspection](https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brakes-steering-and-suspension-inspection) performed by...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Toyota 4Runner
The The 2012 Toyota 4Runner was made for people with an active lifestyle. Its design is made to be a light off road alternative to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer. Key Features The Toyota 4Runner has a...
3 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Gas Tank
The The gas tank of the vehicle holds the fuel, which makes the car run. The fuel is propelled by the fuel pump. The gas tank can be made out of plastic high-density polyethylene, which can be made into complex...
How to Find the Source of an Oil Leak
Oil Oil leaks are a very common problem that affects many car owners. Virtually all modern engines use some sort of oiling lubrication system, and a compromise in the sealing of this system will result in an oil leak. Whether...