Slight coolant loss and smell

[Pappa583]

Million dollar question here..... I have noticed a familiar hot coolant smell under the bonnet when I've driven the car and also had to top the coolant up a bit. Been like this for a few thousand miles I would say so isn't loosing alot.... at the minute... but as I can smell it also it must be steaming off from somewhere although can't be alot. Anyone experiences a similar issue? I've read plenty about people topping up 250ml every couple hundred mile but I'm not there yet. I've had a look around under the bonnet and can't see any tell tale signs of leakage runs anywhere, without stripping alot off suppose I might not see or even then might not be enough of a leak?  Middle of the v is my worry as its a big job I beleive to change a cheap plastic part out..... as most have already said this should've been a recall as its so comon an issue....

[cliffcoggin]

The EGR cooler is a common location for invisible coolant losses. It's quite an expensive job I believe.

[Pappa583]

In for a service and gonna get it pressure tested. Not hopeful this is gonna be resolved easilly as it doesn't loose alot, so leak must be very small. Can smell it though, the obvious hot coolant steamy smell, from the engine cooling fan blowing when I stop..... problem I have is we driving to south of france in june..... I've been driving it up and down to aberdeen with just the odd 100-150mm top up now and then but breaking down in france with a car full and my dog..... bit risky