Can You Still Drive If the Car's Coolant Is Low?

[CarsonAnn]

It is not recommended to continue driving if the car's coolant is low. You should promptly replenish the coolant to avoid potential engine damage. The primary function of engine coolant is to maintain the operating engine within a normal temperature range. It helps cool down the engine when it overheats and also provides anti-freeze, anti-corrosion, and anti-scaling functions. Steps to add coolant: 1. Wait for the engine to cool down before adding coolant; 2. Open the hood and locate the engine coolant reservoir, typically a spherical container with a thermometer-like triangular symbol on the cap; 3. Turn the coolant reservoir cap counterclockwise. If you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before fully opening the cap; 4. Add an appropriate amount of coolant to the reservoir, filling it to a level between the MAX and MIN marks for the first time; 5. Securely close the cap and start the car. The coolant level will gradually drop, requiring you to add more coolant again, still maintaining the level between the MAX and MIN marks.

[SanKyle]

My car also had the issue of low coolant level before, and I did a lot of research at that time. Coolant is like the 'blood' of a car, mainly used to cool down the engine. If it's too low and you continue driving, the engine temperature can quickly rise above 100 degrees, and the radiator might even boil and emit white smoke. Once, I experienced the temperature gauge almost maxing out, which scared me into pulling over immediately. Although you might manage to drive a short distance to a repair shop, going over 5 kilometers is quite risky. It's best to immediately top up with the same brand of coolant; if unavailable, purified water can be used as an emergency measure. Remember to check the ground for any leakage traces after parking, and after refilling, take the car to a professional shop to check if the radiator is aging or if there are any cracks in the hoses.

[StLeah]

I drive long-haul trucks and have experienced coolant shortages several times. If the pink or green liquid in the radiator drops below the MIN mark, the engine temperature will skyrocket. Last week, my truck's warning light turned red, but luckily I was only 3 kilometers away from a service area. I cranked the heater to the max to push through (this trick diverts some heat into the cab). If your engine overheats suddenly on the highway, never open the radiator cap immediately after pulling over—high-pressure steam can scald you. When topping up, avoid mixing coolants of different colors, as they can crystallize and clog the pipes. Older vehicles need extra caution—you might need to replace the water pump or radiator cap.

[DelHarley]

As an automotive engineer, I pay special attention to cooling system issues. Coolant is not just water; it contains anti-corrosion components and chemical additives that raise the boiling point. Low fluid levels can lead to: reduced efficiency due to air accumulation in the radiator, cavitation damage to the water pump impeller, and localized overheating deformation of the engine block. The critical condition allowing short-distance driving is when the temperature gauge does not exceed the midline and there are no warning lights, but you must drive slowly at ≤60 km/h. For daily maintenance, it is recommended to check the auxiliary tank level when the engine is cold every month, and replacement is mandatory every two years. Last time, I saw an owner adding mineral water for a long-distance trip, and the engine ended up completely clogged with scale.