Can You Continue Driving If the Car Lacks Antifreeze?
2 Answers
If the car is running low on coolant, you should not continue driving, as it may cause the engine to overheat. Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and protecting against scale and corrosion throughout the year. How to Determine If There Is a Lack of Antifreeze: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to a lack of antifreeze, though it could also be caused by excessively high cylinder temperatures. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add antifreeze promptly. Inspect the water level markings on the antifreeze tank. The normal antifreeze level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If it is below the minimum mark, it indicates a lack of antifreeze. How to Choose Antifreeze: The key indicators for antifreeze are its freezing and boiling points. Available in the market are antifreeze products with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. Generally, you should choose one with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region.
Once when I was repairing a car, I encountered a customer who insisted on driving home despite having no antifreeze left. As a result, the engine overheated and warped, rendering the entire engine useless. The role of antifreeze goes far beyond just preventing freezing—it acts like a refrigerator in the car, protecting the engine from overheating. Without it, the coolant circulation is disrupted, temperatures skyrocket, and components like pistons, cylinders, or seals can warp or melt. Continuing to drive under such conditions is extremely risky, with the potential to break down on the highway at any moment, leading to repair costs in the thousands. It’s crucial to stop immediately and check the coolant reservoir level—when the engine is cold, look between the min-max lines. If it’s low, top it up with the same type of antifreeze (never mix it with tap water) and inspect for leaks in the system. Regular maintenance, such as checking the coolant level monthly, is especially critical before winter and long trips—don’t risk major damage over minor neglect.
