Can the car run without coolant?
2 Answers
If the coolant is insufficient, the car should not continue to be driven. A lack of coolant in cold climates can cause the engine or radiator to freeze and crack, leading to engine failure. Methods to determine if the coolant is insufficient: Observe the coolant warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to insufficient coolant, although it could also be caused by excessively high temperatures inside the cylinder. Check the coolant reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and promptly add coolant. Inspect the water level indicator on the coolant reservoir. The normal coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. To determine if the coolant is insufficient, check the marks. If the coolant is below the minimum level, it indicates a lack of coolant.
Last time I drove, I found the antifreeze had completely leaked out, and that was no joke. Antifreeze is used to cool the engine. Without it, the engine heats up rapidly while driving and can overheat within minutes. When the temperature gauge shot up to red, I panicked and immediately pulled over, or else the engine could warp or even blow up. I once experienced this in the summer—I drove a little over a kilometer, and white smoke started pouring from under the hood. The mechanic ended up charging me over ten thousand to fix the cylinder head. Now I know antifreeze also prevents freezing and boiling. Without it, it's like going without water—the car can't handle it. So never force the drive. If this happens, pull over immediately, turn off the engine, check for leaks, top up the fluid, or call a tow truck. Regular maintenance and checking fluid levels may seem minor, but they're crucial—at least every six months.
