Is It Normal for Antifreeze to Decrease After Driving for a While?
2 Answers
It depends on how much is lost. A slight decrease is normal, but if the consumption is excessive, it could indicate antifreeze leakage, poor circulation leading to rapid consumption, coolant entering the cylinder and being burned, or mixing into the oil pan. Below is relevant information about antifreeze: 1. Definition: Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing during cold winter parking, which could otherwise crack the radiator or damage the engine cylinder block. 2. Function: It provides anti-corrosion protection for cooling system components, prevents scale formation to avoid reducing the radiator's cooling efficiency, and ensures the engine operates within the normal temperature range. It must have characteristics such as freeze protection, boil-over prevention, corrosion resistance, scale prevention, and being foam-free, unaffected by seasons or regions.
I noticed that the car's coolant level drops after driving for a while, which is generally not normal unless it's slight evaporation, which is acceptable. I've driven several cars, and the coolant level should usually remain stable. If you constantly need to top it up, there's likely a leakage issue. For example, with my old car last time, after the engine overheating warning light came on, I found out that the radiator hose had aged and developed cracks, causing the coolant to slowly leak out. Driving long distances on highways or in hot weather can accelerate coolant evaporation, but losing more than half a cup per month is not a minor issue. I recommend checking the coolant reservoir's marked line before each drive; it's more accurate when the engine is cold. If you notice a rapid drop, take it to a repair shop immediately to check for leaks. Don't delay until the engine seizes up, leading to costly repairs.
