What are the effects of high temperature when a car lacks coolant?
2 Answers
If the coolant is insufficient, the engine temperature of the car will become excessively high, which can easily cause engine damage. More information about coolant is as follows: 1. Anti-freeze: The average winter temperature in most cities is below zero, and tap water will freeze due to the cold weather. However, coolant has anti-freeze properties. There are many types of coolant available on the market, and the coolant added to the cooling system will not freeze. 2. Anti-boil: The normal operating temperature of an engine is around 80°C to 110°C. If tap water were used, it would have already boiled, causing the engine water temperature to rise excessively. In this case, the coolant effectively demonstrates its anti-boil function.
As a veteran driver with 30 years of experience, I've seen it all. Coolant isn't just for preventing freezing in winter—it's even more crucial in summer, specifically for heat dissipation. Without it, the engine can overheat in minutes under scorching weather, with the temperature gauge rapidly climbing into the red zone. If not addressed promptly, metal components expand and deform, seals burst, and in severe cases, pistons can seize or even cause cylinder damage, leading to total engine failure—repairs can easily cost tens of thousands. I learned this the hard way in my younger days when I forgot to top up coolant before a long trip, only to have the engine smoke and break down midway, leaving me in a real mess. That's why it's essential to develop the habit of checking the coolant reservoir monthly—if the level drops below the MIN line, top it up with the right type of coolant. High temperatures also strain the AC and fuel efficiency, making the car sluggish and increasing safety risks, especially when traveling with family in remote areas. Paying attention to these small maintenance details saves far more money and hassle than major repairs down the road.
