Just like your engine oil, your anti-freeze is just as important to check on a regular basis. Most of today's cars are designed to have their cooling system 100% full at all times. Anti-freeze does not wear out or get "used up." If you notice the level of anti-freeze has gone down in either the radiator or expansion tank you should top it off to the correct level and keep a close watch on it. Try to notice any drips on the ground or any "green spots" anywhere In the engine compartment. If the level continues to drop, have the system checked as soon as possible for a leak.

Many of today's cars have aluminum cylinder heads and are more likely to be damaged from overheating than engines that are all iron. Even the smallest leak can eventually form an air pocket in an engine which can lead to a blown head gasket or possibly a cracked cylinder head, which will generally cost several hundred dollars to repair.

Many people think that a can of "Stop Leak" will take care of whatever leak or leaks they have in their cooling system. Cooling system sealers are not a guaranteed repair. Even when it does stop the leak you don't know if it will work for an hour, a day or a week. Another drawback to sealers is that besides clogging up a leak it can also clog up your radiator and/or heater core. A clogged radiator can cause increased temperature and pressure In the cooling system which might only make the leak worse.

Many people don't realize how many different components in their car can be the cause of an anti-freeze leak. Besides the radiator, your anti-freeze/coolant mixture flows through or past radiator hoses, heater hoses, by-pass hoses, water pump, heater core, heater valve, thermostat gasket, manifold gasket, head gasket, cylinder head and, of course, the engine block.

Please remember, ignoring a leak will not make it go away and might only contribute to an overheat situation. This will not only leave you stuck on the side of the road, but can lead to very unexpected and expensive repairs.