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Why does coolant leak when my car sits for long periods?

When my car sits still for long periods of time, I sometimes notice coolant leaks underneath it when I start the car. What’s causing this and should I be worried about it?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having problems with this! When you start to notice a
coolant leak
 after your car sits for long periods, it’s typically evidence of a damaged cooling system. While you might not notice a small leak when your car is parked for short periods of time, letting your car sit for a while gives the liquid time to collect into a noticeable pool.
The best thing to do is to bring your car to a mechanic to have your cooling system looked at. Leaky coolant can be dangerous if left unaddressed—particularly if the cause is a damaged head gasket—so getting the problem fixed quickly is a good idea.
While you’re learning more about your car, why not learn more about your car insurance, too? It’s easy when you use the
Jerr​​y
 app. With Jerry, you can see a list of car insurance quotes that work for you in a matter of minutes. The average user saves $887 per year.
MORE: Why your car heater is blowing cold air
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