Coolant smell inside and out, slow leak

BECOOLBRITTANY

MEMBER
2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE
1.4L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
MANUAL
135,000 MILES

So I have been slowly leaking coolant for a couple months now. Every now and then, usually when my car is first started, I’ll smell coolant outside of my car but also inside. After I drive around for a minute or two, the smell usually goes away. Sometimes it comes back inside the car through the vents with a quick acceleration. I replaced the coolant reservoir as a mechanic said it was leaking but that hasn’t solved the smell. I have no leak inside the car and no oily residue on any windows or the windshield and my heat is always hot and functional. Any ideas?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Since there are no leaks inside or issues with the windshield fogging, it sounds like the heater core is fine. So, that leaves everything under the hood to check. I am going to supply a few links that discuss finding and repairing a coolant leak. Follow them and see if you can locate where it is coming from. Also, you will need to pressurize the system. Most parts stores will lend or rent the tool to you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, pay attention to see if there is any evidence of coolant under the vehicle after sitting. If you place a clean piece of cardboard under the front, it will help locate the leak.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe