Signs your car may be leaking coolant

These are the signs of a leak or of overheating that the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual points to. Any of them is a reason to check the cooling system:

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Fluid Leaks (p. 304), If Your Engine Overheats (pp. 298-299), Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (p. 142) and Cooling System Notes (p. 325), read November 11, 2026.

How to check for a coolant leak safely

1. Start with the ground. After the vehicle has been parked overnight, look at the area under it for coolant or other fluid leaks, as the Ram manual recommends.

2. Check the level only when the engine is cold. On the Ram 1500 3.6L engine, the manual says the coolant in the pressurized coolant bottle should be between the MIN and MAX range when the engine is cold, and the bottle need only be checked once a month as long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory. Other vehicles mark their bottles differently; follow your own manual.

3. Look at the hoses. The manual says to check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the coolant recovery bottle and radiator, and to inspect the entire system for leaks.

4. Check the cap. The pressure cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine coolant, and it should be inspected and cleaned if foreign material builds up on its sealing surfaces. Use only the pressure cap specified for your vehicle.

5. Keep clear of the fan. The Ram manual warns that the radiator cooling fan can start at any time, whether the engine is running or not, so keep hands, tools, clothing and jewelry away from it when the hood is raised.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Fluid Leaks (p. 304) and Cooling System (pp. 323-325), read November 11, 2026.

Is it a leak or just vapor?

Not every wisp from under the hood is a leak. The Ram manual says that when you stop after a few miles of driving, you may see vapor coming from the front of the engine compartment. That is normally moisture from rain, snow or high humidity on the radiator being vaporized when the thermostat opens and hot coolant enters the radiator.

The manual says that if an examination of the engine compartment shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely driven and the vapor will soon dissipate. If you do see wet hoses, drips or coolant on the ground, have the cooling system checked.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Cooling System Notes (p. 324), read November 11, 2026.

If coolant is low and the engine runs hot

A leak can let the engine overheat. The Ram manual warns that you or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant or steam from the radiator: if you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool, and never open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot. It also says never to add engine coolant when the engine is overheated.

If the engine coolant temperature warning light comes on while driving, the manual says to safely pull over and stop, turn off the air conditioning, shift into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle; if the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for service. Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (p. 142), If Your Engine Overheats (pp. 298-299) and Cooling System Pressure Cap (p. 324), read November 11, 2026.

Topping off: use the right coolant

If coolant is needed, use the type your manual specifies. The 2026 Ram 1500 manual calls for OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant meeting the manufacturer standard MS.90032, says mixing coolant types is not recommended and can result in cooling system damage, and says not to use water alone or alcohol-based coolant. It also says some vehicles require special tools to add coolant properly, and to contact an authorized dealer if any coolant needs to be added to the system.

Topping off does not fix a leak. If you keep adding coolant, have the system pressure tested.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Cooling System (pp. 323-324), read November 11, 2026. Other vehicles specify different coolant; follow your own manual.

Clean up coolant puddles right away

The Ram manual says used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regulated substance requiring proper disposal; check with your local authorities for the disposal rules in your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children, do not let it remain in puddles on the ground, clean up any ground spills immediately, and do not store it in open containers. If it is swallowed, seek emergency assistance immediately.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Disposal Of Used Coolant (p. 324), read November 11, 2026.

Cooling system service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center

Finding coolant under your car, or adding it often? Schedule service or see our service specials.

Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Get directions.