Is It Necessary to Address Minor Coolant Leaks?
2 Answers
Engine gasket coolant leaks must be replaced. If coolant is used for an extended period, it can lead to an increase in freezing point and a decrease in boiling point. Such conditions can affect the normal operation of the engine. Meaning of Coolant: The full name of coolant should be antifreeze coolant, meaning it is a cooling liquid with antifreeze properties. Coolant prevents the cooling liquid from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block or head during cold winter parking. Function of Coolant: Coolant is a type of cooling liquid containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion year-round. Composition of Coolant: The main components of coolant are: fifty percent purified water, forty percent methanol, and ten percent other substances. Types of Coolant: Coolant is generally divided into three types: ethanol-water type, glycerol-water type, and ethylene glycol-water type.
With 20 years of driving experience, I've seen too many minor issues escalate into major problems. A slight coolant leak must be addressed immediately! Last week, my neighbor's car overheated on the road because of this. The cooling system is fully sealed—any leakage lowers the coolant's boiling point, which is especially dangerous in summer traffic jams. Focus on checking common trouble spots like radiator connections and water pump shaft seals. Shine a flashlight to spot white crystalline residue. Don't think topping off coolant is enough—low pressure causes localized overheating. Cast iron engines might just suffer cylinder scoring, but modern all-aluminum engines can warp and become scrap metal under high heat, with repair costs reaching half the car's value!
