What are the effects of insufficient antifreeze on a car?
2 Answers
Insufficient antifreeze in a car can prevent the antifreeze from circulating properly, leading to inadequate engine cooling and resulting in engine overheating. In severe cases, it may cause engine damage. The functions of antifreeze: Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion throughout the year. Can different antifreeze brands be mixed? It is necessary to use the same brand of antifreeze. Different brands may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could trigger chemical reactions among the additives, rendering them ineffective. How to choose antifreeze: The key indicators of antifreeze are its freezing and boiling points. Market-available antifreeze comes in specifications like -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C freezing points. Generally, it's advisable to choose one with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region.
Last time the lack of antifreeze got me into big trouble. During summer highway traffic jam, the temperature gauge shot straight up and dashboard warning lights came on. I immediately pulled over only to find the engine 'boiling over' with steam. Later inspection revealed a slight coolant leak from the radiator causing low level. The mechanic said at best it could melt engine gaskets, at worst warp components costing thousands to replace - luckily it didn't get that bad. Since then I've developed a habit of monthly checking under the hood to ensure the overflow tank level stays between Min and Max marks, preventing overheating breakdowns. My advice: check regularly, use proper antifreeze mixed with distilled water (never tap water) to extend system life and avoid headaches.
