What Are the Effects of Insufficient Car Coolant?
2 Answers
Insufficient refrigerant can cause the engine temperature to rise during operation, preventing the engine from cooling down. This leads to increased viscosity of the engine oil, resulting in reduced lubrication and accelerated engine wear. If the engine develops issues, it may cause oil leakage. The worst-case scenario is incomplete gasoline combustion, leading to increased fuel consumption. Replacing Antifreeze: Most antifreeze is red or green to facilitate leak detection and distinguish it from other engine fluids, preventing confusion. It's recommended to replace engine coolant based on mileage or time, as its degradation level is difficult to assess visually. If coolant is not replaced, the internal anti-corrosion properties degrade, potentially damaging the radiator, pipes, and hoses. Causes of Failure: This situation arises due to natural consumption of antifreeze or its entry into the cylinder, where it participates in combustion. Coolant plays a significant role and requires constant attention. If a deficiency is detected, it must be promptly replenished and replaced on schedule to better protect the engine. If coolant enters the cylinder or mixes with the engine oil, it's advisable to have it checked at a professional repair shop. When adding coolant, ensure the engine is not at a high temperature.
Last month I learned the hard way about low coolant levels! While driving to the suburbs, the temperature gauge suddenly shot up to the red zone, and white smoke started billowing from under the hood. I was so scared that I immediately pulled over. When I popped the hood, the coolant reservoir was completely empty. The mechanic told me that engine overheating could burn through the cylinder head gasket and potentially cause the pistons to seize to the cylinder walls, with repairs costing at least several thousand yuan. Now I've developed a habit: before any long trip, I always open the reservoir cap to check the level. If the coolant is below the minimum mark, I immediately go to the shop to top it up with the same color code. Never try to make do with tap water—mineral deposits can clog the radiator fins, and in freezing weather, the water can freeze and crack the pipes.
