How to Know If the Antifreeze Is Low?
2 Answers
Methods to know if the antifreeze is low: 1. Check the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard—if it lights up, it likely indicates a lack of antifreeze; 2. Open the engine hood directly to inspect the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the MIN mark, do not continue driving. It is necessary to add antifreeze promptly at this time. Automotive antifreeze ensures the car can still operate during low winter temperatures. Engine coolant contains substances that lower the freezing point of water, acting as antifreeze to prevent the cooling system from freezing in cold weather. The components of automotive antifreeze include: inorganic substances like calcium chloride, and organic substances such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, lubricating oil, and purified water.
When I first started learning to drive, I knew nothing about coolant, but now I’ve picked up some simple checking methods. Usually after parking and turning off the engine, I wait for it to cool down a bit, then pop open the hood and look for the transparent plastic coolant reservoir with a label that says "Coolant" on it. The side of the tank has two horizontal lines marking the maximum and minimum levels. If the fluid drops below the minimum line, it’s definitely low. While driving, keep an eye on the dashboard—if the temperature warning light turns red, or if steam comes out from the front of the car or the AC stops cooling, those are also signs of low coolant. Don’t ignore these warnings; just top it up with the correct type of coolant in time. Never use tap water as a substitute, as it can corrode engine parts. Make it a habit to check weekly when the engine is cold—prevention is better than dealing with breakdowns or costly repairs later. In short, by paying attention to these everyday details, even beginners can easily master coolant maintenance.
