As you back your vehicle out of a parking space, you might notice that it’s left behind a small amount of liquid. That liquid could indicate that you have a radiator leak, depending on the color and location of the substance. Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping that the leak is nothing, take your vehicle to Cookeville Radiator Shop in Cookeville, TN. Below, their radiator experts explain three steps to follow if you believe your radiator is leaking.

Here’s What to Do If Your Car’s Radiator Is Leaking

1. Find the Source of the Leak

Confirm that the leak is coming from the radiator, which sits near the front of your vehicle. If you find that the leak has come from somewhere else underneath your car, there could be damage to the engine or other parts of the cooling system, such as the water pump. Note where the leak came from so that a professional can quickly pinpoint the problem area later.

2. Clean Up the Mess

Remember the color of the liquid — which may be yellow-green, bright orange, blue, or red — so that you can tell your mechanic. Then, move your car so that you can clean up the liquid. Coolant is extremely toxic to humans and animals, so you want to prevent your child or pet from accidentally ingesting it.

3. Call a Professional Radiator Specialist

Call a professional mechanic and take your vehicle in for a repair immediately. Since a radiator leak is likely coolant, you don’t want to drive your vehicle a far distance. You could risk overheating your engine and causing further problems. Instead, a professional can find the source of the leak, replace the part, and get you safely back on the road.

Does your car have a radiator leak? Give Cookeville Radiator Shop a call at (931) 526-2013. Because they’ve been servicing auto cooling, heating, and air conditioning systems for over 82 years, they have unmatchable expertise on radiators. Their commitment to quality repairs, excellent customer service and affordable rates has made them the most trusted radiator repair shop in central Tennessee. They even offer 24-hour services if you need an emergency repair. Visit them online to learn how they can stop a radiator leak from causing widespread, costly damage.