What are the reasons for frequent low coolant levels?
2 Answers
Car coolant levels being too low can be caused by: an improperly designed cooling system; leakage issues; poor circulation leading to rapid consumption; coolant entering the cylinders; or the use of low-quality antifreeze that evaporates quickly. Below are precautions for using coolant and its functions: Precautions for using coolant: Do not mix different types of coolant; avoid using low-quality coolant; do not directly add concentrated coolant, as this may cause the coolant to deteriorate or become overly viscous at low temperatures. Functions of coolant: Provides anti-corrosion protection for cooling system components; prevents scale buildup, avoiding reduced heat dissipation in the radiator; ensures the engine operates within the normal temperature range.
Low coolant levels can often be caused by leaks, such as small holes in the radiator or loose hose connections. I've encountered this situation several times. Check for green fluid stains under the car or wet spots around the engine to identify the issue. Another possible cause could be aging water pump seals leading to seepage, which is quite common in high-mileage vehicles. A damaged engine head gasket may allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber and get burned off, indicated by white smoke from the exhaust pipe - this requires immediate repair. Make it a habit to regularly check the coolant reservoir level under the hood and top up when low. If no external leaks are found, there might be internal issues requiring professional diagnosis - don't delay to prevent engine overheating. While aggressive driving in high-temperature environments accelerates coolant evaporation, frequent low levels should never be ignored.
