What are the effects of a car running out of coolant?
2 Answers
Running out of coolant in a car can lead to engine overheating and potential engine damage. The normal operating temperature of an engine ranges between 90°C and 120°C. When coolant is insufficient, especially in summer, the engine temperature will continue to rise without effective cooling, which can damage the engine if driving continues. Coolant has a high boiling point and low freezing point, with a boiling point around 110°C, effectively maintaining the engine within its normal operating temperature and protecting it. Additionally, since water is corrosive and can cause scale buildup that affects cooling efficiency, it is essential to ensure the coolant level in the car's radiator remains within the proper range, indicated by the upper and lower marks on the radiator.
Running low on coolant is no joke! As an experienced driver, I've seen too many cases where the most immediate danger is a skyrocketing engine temperature. The antifreeze in the radiator is responsible for carrying away the engine's heat—without this coolant, the engine can overheat to over 100 degrees in minutes. High temperatures can cause pistons and cylinder blocks to warp, and the cylinder head gasket to burn out, releasing white smoke. The repair costs are painfully high. The worst scenario is when your temperature gauge suddenly spikes red on the highway, forcing you to pull over in embarrassment on the emergency lane, waiting agonizingly for a tow truck. So, the moment that thermometer icon lights up on your dashboard, stop and turn off the engine immediately, no matter where you are—don’t gamble with your engine!
