What Are the Reasons for Antifreeze Loss?
2 Answers
It is normal for antifreeze to have a slight loss, as although the entire cooling system is sealed, the coolant reservoir cap has a pressure relief hole. Methods to determine if antifreeze is insufficient: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to a lack of antifreeze, although it could also be caused by excessively high cylinder temperatures. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving; add antifreeze promptly. Inspect the water level markings on the antifreeze reservoir. The normal antifreeze level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. To determine if antifreeze is lacking, check the markings. If the antifreeze level is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage. Precautions for replacing antifreeze: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leaks or cracks in the pipes, with a focus on the five-way hose. The five-way hose gets its name from having five connections to different parts. Antifreeze flows through the five-way hose and is then distributed to various parts of the car to function. If there are signs of antifreeze leakage in this section, replace the hose or resecure the connections as needed.
I've driven for decades and encountered the issue of coolant loss multiple times. The most common cause is leaks in the cooling system, such as cracks or corrosion in the radiator or hose connections, leading to gradual leakage. In severe cases, it's due to a damaged cylinder head gasket, allowing coolant to mix directly with engine oil - you'll notice the oil turning white and foamy, which is extremely dangerous and requires immediate repair. Hot weather also increases evaporation; it's normal to lose some over 2-3 months of regular driving, but significant loss within a week definitely indicates leakage. I recommend checking coolant levels monthly, keeping it between the marked lines. If you spot rapid loss, immediately inspect for leaks and repair them, or risk severe engine overheating damage. Regular maintenance with coolant replacement helps prevent major failures.
