What are the consequences of a car lacking coolant?
2 Answers
If a car lacks coolant, the engine temperature will become excessively high, which can easily lead to engine damage. The proper functioning of the vehicle's cooling system is essential for ensuring the normal operation of the engine, and any faults related to the coolant system should not be overlooked. It is crucial to replenish the coolant promptly if it is missing. Prolonged lack of coolant can result in poor heat dissipation in the cooling system, causing the engine to overheat. In severe cases, this can lead to cylinder head deformation, piston scuffing, and even engine failure. It is normal for the coolant level to fluctuate within a certain range due to temperature changes. However, if the coolant is no longer visible in the reservoir, immediate attention is required. If the coolant level drops again after being replenished to the normal mark, this indicates a coolant leak, and immediate repairs are necessary.
Last time I suffered big losses due to lack of coolant - the temperature gauge suddenly shot up to the red zone, scaring me into pulling over immediately. Coolant isn't just for winter antifreeze protection; its more critical role is cooling the engine. Low coolant leads to cooling system failure, causing engine temperature to skyrocket, pistons to expand and seize, with cylinder scoring happening in an instant. Especially during summer traffic jams, overheating with white smoke can occur within minutes, potentially destroying the entire engine. Make it a habit to check the expansion tank level every two weeks when the engine is cold. When it reaches the minimum mark, top up with the same type of coolant - using tap water causes scaling that clogs passages and damages the engine worse.
