Can the car be driven if the coolant is insufficient?
2 Answers
Insufficient coolant means the car should not be driven. The cooling system circulates coolant through a water pump to carry heat away from the engine for dissipation. A lack of coolant will prevent this circulation and heat dissipation, potentially damaging the engine. If the coolant level drops significantly in a short time, it indicates a leak in the cooling system, and the car should be repaired before driving. The replacement interval for coolant should follow the manufacturer's manual, typically every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. Some car manufacturers offer coolant that lasts the lifetime of the vehicle, requiring only regular checks. The main functions of coolant are as follows: 1. Provide anti-corrosion protection for cooling system components; 2. Prevent scale buildup and lower radiator temperature; 3. Ensure the engine operates within the normal temperature range.
Last week, I witnessed my neighbor's car being driven with insufficient coolant for a while, which resulted in engine overheating and complete failure. The repair cost over 5,000 yuan—truly not worth the loss. Once an engine overheats, it's prone to deformation and piston burning; in severe cases, the car may break down on the spot. Coolant is essential for cooling the engine, so never force the car to run when it's low. Instead, pull over safely to check the coolant reservoir and add water if necessary. Regularly checking the fluid level is key—just ensure the reservoir's indicator is within the normal range each month to avoid major issues. Remember, small oversights can lead to big troubles. Safety first.