Peugeot 308 Coolant Loss

Alright petrolheads, need your wisdom! My 2022 Peugeot 308 hybrid is throwing a fit. Check engine light's on, and the error memory keeps logging a 'coolant level too low' message. I've topped it up twice now in the last month! No visible leaks under the car, but I'm starting to sweat a head gasket issue. Could it be something simpler, like the coolant reservoir cap, or am I looking at something nasty?

4 comment(s)

Hey, that sounds familiar. I had a similar issue with my old Volvo V60 a few years back. Keep topping up the coolant and seeing the level drop is a classic symptom. Is there any white smoke coming from the exhaust, or a sweet smell? Have you checked for any mayo-like substance under the oil filler cap or on the dipstick? That can be a telltale sign of coolant mixing with oil. Also, pressure test the cooling system. This will help reveal any hairline cracks or leaks that are hard to spot visually.

Cheers for the quick reply! No white smoke or sweet smell, thankfully. Oil looks clean too. How easy is it to pressure test the system myself? I've got a decent toolkit and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, but I don't have any specialist diagnostic gear.

You can buy a pressure tester kit relatively cheaply online. It's not rocket science, but you need to know what pressure your cooling system is supposed to run at, otherwise you risk damaging something. Honestly, given it's a 2022 hybrid, and it's losing coolant that quickly, I'd bite the bullet and get it to a workshop. They'll be able to diagnose it properly and avoid you chasing your tail.

Thanks for the advice! Took it to the shop as you suggested. Turns out it was a minor coolant leak from a hose connection. Cost me 52€ to fix. Glad I didn't try messing with it myself!

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