What Are the Reasons for the Decrease in Vehicle Antifreeze?

[DeCalvin]

There are three main reasons for the decrease in vehicle antifreeze: Natural Consumption: Various fluids in a car experience natural consumption. Antifreeze, which is responsible for cooling the car engine, is often in a high-temperature state. Under normal circumstances, an antifreeze loss of 10%–36% per year is considered normal. Antifreeze Leakage: Rubber and metal pipes frequently exposed to high temperatures may age due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to small gaps through which antifreeze can seep. Common leakage points include the radiator hoses, air conditioning heater hoses, thermostat, and water pump seals. Antifreeze Entering the Combustion Chamber: Issues such as cracks in the engine block, damaged or corroded cylinder head gaskets, or deformation can cause antifreeze to enter the combustion chamber. To check for this, pull out the dipstick and see if the engine oil has emulsified (emulsified oil appears milky white or yellowish, with bubbles). This happens because the engine block contains oil and coolant passages—if the cylinder head gasket is damaged, coolant can leak into the oil passages. How to Determine if Antifreeze is Low: Check the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it may indicate low antifreeze levels, though it could also be due to excessively high engine temperatures. Inspect the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add antifreeze promptly. Check the fluid level markings on the antifreeze overflow tank. The antifreeze level should normally be between the maximum and minimum marks. If it falls below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of antifreeze.