What are the effects of low coolant in a car?
3 Answers
The effects of low coolant in a car are: 1. It can cause the water temperature to rise and reduce engine power; 2. The car engine and radiator lack protection; 3. It affects the cooling efficiency of the radiator; 4. It may cause engine damage due to overheating; 5. It can lead to the engine or radiator freezing, resulting in engine failure. The reasons for low coolant in a car include: 1. Normal consumption; 2. Corrosion and damage to the cylinder head gasket; 3. Coolant leakage; 4. Damage to the radiator gasket; 5. Loose connections at the overflow tank, water pump interface, and various pipe fittings in the cooling system. The full name of coolant is antifreeze coolant, which is a cooling liquid with antifreeze properties. It prevents the coolant from freezing during cold winter parking, which could otherwise cause the radiator to crack or the engine cylinder block to freeze and become damaged.
That time when I was driving back to my hometown, the temperature gauge on the highway suddenly shot up to the red line. After pulling over to check, I found that the coolant was down by more than half a tank. The mechanic said that low coolant directly leads to poor heat dissipation and engine overheating. Over time, the cylinder head gasket can burn through, the engine oil can emulsify into a sesame paste-like consistency, and in severe cases, the pistons can seize. Rust can also accumulate inside the cooling system, clogging the pipes. It's even more dangerous in winter—low coolant levels can freeze and crack the radiator or engine block. Now, I check the coolant reservoir every month, making sure the level stays between the min and max marks. If I’ve used diluted coolant with water, I replace the entire tank before winter—insufficient freeze protection can also easily cause pipes to crack.
Paying attention to low coolant levels during maintenance is crucial. It not only prevents freezing but, more importantly, aids in heat dissipation. If the fluid level falls below the minimum line, airlocks can form in the cooling system, causing the water pump to run dry and leading to premature wear. Last week, we handled a Buick where prolonged low coolant levels resulted in the aluminum cylinder head overheating and deforming, costing 4,000 yuan in repairs alone. When the additives in the coolant degrade, iron pipes can rust from the inside, with the T-joints being the most prone to perforation and leakage. Additionally, mixing different colored coolants can create flocculent deposits that clog the heater core, which is why the heater may not work in winter. Develop the habit of checking the overflow tank when the engine is cold, and top it up with the same type of coolant if it's low.
