What are the reasons for the decrease in car antifreeze?
3 Answers
The reasons for the decrease in car antifreeze are: under continuous high temperature, the engine will evaporate the antifreeze. The functions of car antifreeze are: 1. to provide anti-corrosion protection for the engine's cooling system; 2. to prevent the engine temperature from reaching 100 degrees Celsius and causing the water to boil; 3. to prevent the formation of scale, avoiding the reduction of the radiator's cooling effect; 4. to ensure the engine operates normally under low temperatures. The method to replace antifreeze is: 1. open the vehicle's engine hood, and the coolant reservoir can be seen in the upper right corner; 2. open the antifreeze plug under the radiator to drain the old antifreeze; 3. add new antifreeze, tighten the cap, and the antifreeze replacement is complete.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered coolant loss issues several times. The most common cause is minor leaks, such as small cracks at the edges of the radiator or aging, loose hose connections where fluid slowly seeps out, especially noticeable on bumpy roads. Another possibility is internal leakage; if the engine head gasket is damaged, coolant might seep into the combustion chamber or get burned off, leading to a drop in fluid level. Coolant also naturally evaporates somewhat at high temperatures, though not significantly. Sometimes, air bubbles entering the cooling system can make the fluid level appear lower. I remember once neglecting to check it, which almost caused the engine to overheat and get damaged. Now I've learned my lesson—I check the coolant level monthly to ensure it's between the min-max lines. If there's a noticeable decrease, I take it to the repair shop immediately. I also avoid extreme high RPMs during normal driving to keep the system stable.
A decrease in car antifreeze is often caused by issues in the cooling system. Starting with external causes: micro-cracks in the radiator, aging or damage to the cooling pipes, or wear in the water pump seals can all lead to leaks. Internally, a cracked cylinder head gasket may allow fluid to seep into the cylinders or oil passages. Additionally, air accumulation in the system can disrupt fluid circulation. Evaporation also causes some loss during hot weather, but it shouldn’t result in a significant drop. During inspection, watch for water stains on the ground or white residue around the radiator. It’s recommended to regularly use a pressure tester to check for leaks. If the fluid level drops rapidly, avoid pushing the engine too hard to prevent overheating and potential failure. Temporary fixes like replacing a hose connector or using a sealant are only stopgap measures—a thorough repair is the safest solution.
