Does a slight coolant leak have any impact?
2 Answers
Coolant slight leakage does have an impact. Coolant leakage affects the heat dissipation of the car, which can cause the engine temperature to become too high and result in damage. Methods to determine if 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 temperature inside the cylinder. Check the coolant reservoir. If the liquid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add coolant promptly. Check the water level scale mark on the coolant tank. Normally, the coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. To determine if coolant is insufficient, observe the scale. If the coolant level is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of coolant.
I found that a slight coolant leak does have significant consequences. I once drove an older car where the radiator had minor seepage at the edges—it seemed like a small issue at first. However, after a month, the coolant level dropped noticeably, and the engine nearly overheated and stalled. The leak disrupted the cooling system's pressure balance, reducing the radiator's efficiency, which made components prone to damage under high temperatures. Later, I discovered it was due to a worn-out water pump seal, and the repair cost just a few hundred yuan. Now, I’ve developed a habit of checking under the hood every two weeks to ensure the coolant level stays between min-max and inspect hoses for moisture or rust. Coolant isn’t just for antifreeze—it also prevents corrosion. Leaks dilute its concentration, accelerating internal engine wear. Long-term neglect could lead to burst hoses, with repair costs soaring into the thousands. So, promptly visiting a professional shop to diagnose and fix leaks is crucial.
