Is it normal for coolant to decrease?
2 Answers
Coolant reduction is a normal phenomenon, including fluids like engine oil and windshield washer fluid, which will decrease with vehicle usage, evaporation, and consumption. The primary reason for coolant reduction is natural evaporation. Coolant serves a cooling function for the car engine, which often operates at high temperatures. Since the coolant is in contact with the engine, some consumption is normal. How to choose coolant: The basic indicators of coolant are its freezing point and boiling point. On the market, coolants are available with freezing points of -15℃, -25℃, -30℃, -40℃, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose a coolant with a freezing point at least 10℃ lower than the lowest temperature in your region. How to determine if coolant is insufficient: Observe the coolant warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to insufficient coolant, though it could also be caused by excessively high cylinder temperatures. Check the coolant reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and promptly add coolant. Check the water level markings on the coolant tank. The normal coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. To determine if coolant is insufficient, observe the markings. If the coolant level is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of coolant.
A slight decrease in coolant level is normal, mainly due to minor evaporation with temperature changes and small fluctuations caused by system pressure variations during daily use. If you notice the level drops just a little each time you check, say a bit lower after a few months, there’s no need to worry—just keep using it. However, if the level drops rapidly, such as falling significantly below the minimum line within weeks, that’s abnormal and could indicate a leak, like a cracked radiator, aging hoses, or a failing water pump seal. As a frequent driver, I recommend making it a habit to pop the hood every two weeks to check if the coolant level is between the MIN and MAX marks. If anything seems off, it’s best to have a professional mechanic inspect it to avoid engine overheating damage. Remember, regular maintenance saves big money—don’t let small issues turn into major repairs.
