The best way to keep a Jaguar in this optimal condition is by keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule. This way, your Jaguar remains close to the condition you bought it in.
Even when you strictly follow the maintenance schedule, there may come a time when additional maintenance needs to be done. One of those instances is a coolant leak. Continue reading to find out why coolant is important, how to detect a coolant leak, a couple of coolant leak causes, and where to go for a coolant leak repair.
The Purpose of Coolant
For your Jaguar to run properly, combustion is constantly occurring and all the engine parts are continuously moving. All of these working parts under the hood create heat. This is where the coolant comes into play.
The coolant circulates around and through the engine to absorb the heat and prevent overheating. In addition to helping with overheating, coolant provides necessary lubrication to the parts it comes in contact with, so damage is less likely to occur.
The coolant is pumped through the radiator hoses by the water pump. When the heated coolant returns to the radiator, the radiator conducts the heat out of the coolant so the coolant is cool enough to circulate again through the engine. Your Jaguar needs to have coolant constantly circulating to prevent the engine from overheating.
How to Detect a Coolant Leak
Most of the time, it is easy to spot a fluid leak coming from your Jaguar. If you have it parked for any length of time and you notice a puddle on the ground when you return to your vehicle, then you know there is a leak. Seeing a leak is the simple part. Identifying what fluid is leaking requires a closer look.
When you notice a leak, the first step is to put a piece of cardboard underneath your Jaguar where you found the puddle. Use this cardboard as a way to catch the liquid. The next step is to examine the liquid. If it is a bright color with an almost sweet smell, then you know the liquid is coolant.
Common Causes of Coolant Leaks
Now that you know how to identify a coolant leak, it is time to go over a couple of common causes of a coolant leak. These causes are helpful to know because then you will have an idea of what may need to be repaired.
The first common cause of a coolant leak is the radiator. As previously discussed, coolant is constantly flowing through the radiator to be cooled again after it has absorbed the engine heat. When there is a crack or hole in the radiator, not only is the coolant able to leak out, but the remaining coolant can no longer properly cool down.
The cooldown process requires a certain amount of pressurization and without that, warm or hot coolant is left to circulate through the engine. This can lead to the engine overheating.
The second common cause of a coolant leak is head gasket issues. The head gasket is one of the major parts that seal the coolant system. The head gasket also helps with maintaining the required pressure in the coolant system.
Another function of the head gasket is to keep the coolant fluid out of the cylinders and the engine oil. With a failed, cracked, or damaged head gasket, not only can the coolant leak out, but it can dangerously mix with the engine oil. It can also cause white exhaust fumes to come from the engine if the coolant reaches the spark plugs and burns.
Repairing the Coolant Leak
Now that you can detect a coolant leak in your 
Jaguar, it is time to bring your vehicle to your trusted mechanics here at Encore Motorcars. We can be easily reached from the areas of Bradenton, Ellenton, Nokomis, Osprey, Parrish, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, University Park, and Sarasota, FL.
All of our mechanics are certified in all things Jaguar, so you can trust that the coolant leak will be taken care of accurately and efficiently using the latest and most up to date diagnostic technology and tools. Call us today for an appointment.