Is it normal for antifreeze to decrease in winter?
2 Answers
It is normal for antifreeze to decrease in winter as there is natural consumption. However, excessive consumption is not normal, and car owners should promptly check the reasons for the decrease in antifreeze to avoid affecting the normal operation of the vehicle. If antifreeze decreases in winter, it may lead to freezing and cracking of the cooling system pipes. In summer, it may cause the engine to overheat, affecting its normal lifespan. Antifreeze is a coolant with special additives, mainly used in the cooling systems of liquid-cooled engines. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, protecting against overheating in summer, and preventing scale and corrosion throughout the year.
I've been driving for over a decade and always keep an eye on the coolant level during winter. Actually, it's quite normal for the liquid to contract in cold weather, causing a slight drop in level - my own car occasionally shows about half a centimeter lower. But if there's a significant decrease, like losing a large amount within a week, that's no minor issue. It likely indicates pipe leaks or aging seals. Last winter I experienced this exact situation - the coolant level dropped rapidly, and after inspection we found a loose radiator connection, which was an inexpensive fix. So don't worry about normal minor fluctuations, but never get complacent. Just make it a habit to regularly check the level when the engine is cold, ensuring it stays between the MIN-MAX marks. Coolant serves crucial functions - not just preventing freezing but also protecting the engine from overheating, making winter failures particularly dangerous. I recommend everyone develop a monthly inspection routine to prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
