Losing coolant in freezing weather startups...headgasket?

[98_Q45]

Ever since I’ve moved the Q to a colder climate, I’ve noticed I’ve been periodically winding up to an empty coolant reservoir. For the most part, I’ve not needed to add much coolant over the year I’ve had it. Occasionally I would need to top up, but no visual leaks otherwise.

But this is just another cold weather startup issue I’m having. Cabin fills with fuel smell, and noticing in freezing temps even seeing steam coming from the hood near the windshield after driving short distance. After topping up and a road trip, I do not have to add any coolant.

Someone told me it’s a sign of headgasket failure. So far though, no overheating...Would a headgasket repair in a bottle be any good at this point?

[Q451990]

I'd find the actual leak before resorting to a "fix in a bottle" approach. If you're having trouble finding it, the parts stores have a loaner tool that lets you pressurize the cooling system.

[98_Q45]

Thanks for the tip. I think it’s time to run a compression test on the coolant. Trying to avoid another major fix.