Can You Continue Driving with Low Coolant in the Engine?
3 Answers
You should not drive with low coolant in the engine. Most vehicles use water-cooled engines, which rely on the continuous circulation of coolant to dissipate heat. A lack of coolant will affect the engine's normal heat dissipation, and continuing to drive under such conditions can cause the engine to overheat, leading to potential damage. Functions of coolant: 1. Anti-corrosion: Coolant contains a certain amount of anti-corrosion additives to prevent corrosion in the cooling system; 2. Anti-scaling: Coolant reduces the formation of scale during circulation, preventing blockages in the pipes and maintaining the cooling system's heat dissipation efficiency; 3. Anti-boiling: Coolant can withstand higher temperatures without boiling, meeting the cooling needs of high-load engines to some extent.
Last time I encountered this situation, the dashboard coolant temperature light suddenly flashed red, which scared me into pulling over immediately. Insufficient coolant can cause the engine's cooling system to fail, leading to overheating at best (risking cylinder scoring) or catastrophic engine seizure at worst. If you absolutely must move the car, only proceed with windows open for ventilation at very low speed for 2-3 km while closely monitoring the temperature gauge. I once saw a Buick at the dealership—the owner stubbornly drove until white smoke poured from the engine, ultimately costing ¥30,000 to replace the engine block. So if you find the fluid level below the MIN mark, top it up with distilled water as an emergency measure, and never attempt long-distance driving—repairs will far exceed taxi fares.
As a veteran truck driver with twenty years of experience, I've seen too many people fail due to coolant issues. Engine overheating can melt piston rings in minutes, and engine oil can also deteriorate and fail. Once on the highway, I saw a smoking Audi where the metal deformed and pierced the cylinder head directly. Checking is simple: when the engine is cold, unscrew the radiator cap—the antifreeze should at least cover the radiator fins. If you find it low on the road, never add tap water! Scale can clog the radiator pipes. Keeping a bottle of purified water for emergencies is fine, but you must go to the repair shop as soon as possible to check for leaks—it could be due to aging water pump seals or radiator cracks.
