How to Check if Your Car is Lacking Antifreeze?
2 Answers
Methods to check if your vehicle is lacking antifreeze: 1. 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 excessive cylinder temperature. 2. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add antifreeze promptly. 3. Inspect the water level marks on the antifreeze bottle. The antifreeze level should normally be between the maximum and minimum marks. To determine if antifreeze is lacking, check these marks. If the antifreeze is below the minimum mark, it indicates a deficiency.
I drive to work every day, and checking the antifreeze is a routine task. Before starting the car in the morning, I wait for the engine to cool down, then open the hood to find the transparent reservoir, usually marked with MAX and MIN lines in the corner. If the fluid level is below the MIN line, it means it's low, possibly due to leakage or evaporation. At this point, it's best to add the same type of antifreeze—never mix it with tap water, as it can dilute the concentration and affect cooling efficiency. If the level is too low, the engine can overheat, the temperature gauge might spike with a warning, and you could even break down on the highway, leading to expensive and frustrating repairs. I recommend checking it monthly or every thousand kilometers, especially during hot summers or cold winters, keeping the fluid level near the middle for safety. Also, check if the reservoir cap is tight—a loose cap can accelerate evaporation. Developing this habit can extend your car's lifespan.
