How to Determine If the Antifreeze Is Insufficient?
2 Answers
Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block or head when the car is parked in cold winter. The composition of automotive antifreeze includes: calcium chloride among inorganic substances; methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol among organic substances; as well as lubricating oil and purified water. There are two methods to determine if the antifreeze is insufficient: 1. Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If the antifreeze warning light turns on, it indicates that the antifreeze is insufficient. 2. Open the front hood of the engine to check the antifreeze reservoir. If the liquid level is below the MIN mark, the car should not be driven, as this indicates insufficient antifreeze, and it needs to be replenished promptly.
I think judging insufficient antifreeze is quite simple, the key is to pay more attention to details during daily driving. For example, I often open the hood to check the coolant reservoir after the engine has cooled down when parked – the fluid level should be between the min and max marker lines. If it's below min, you need to add more immediately. Also, pay attention to the temperature gauge while driving – if the needle climbs into the red zone or a warning light comes on, it might indicate insufficient antifreeze causing cooling issues. Additionally, check the ground for any strange pink or green fluid leaks after parking, as this stuff tends to leak. Poor cabin heating in winter could also be due to low antifreeze affecting the heating system. Don't wait for problems to arise – develop a regular habit of checking monthly. Safety first, preventing roadside breakdowns or engine overheating damage.
