What are the symptoms of insufficient coolant in a car?
3 Answers
Insufficient coolant in a car can prevent the coolant from circulating properly, leading to inadequate engine cooling and resulting in engine overheating. In severe cases, it may cause engine damage. Functions of coolant: Coolant is a special additive-containing liquid primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent properties such as antifreeze protection in winter, anti-boil in summer, and year-round prevention of scale and corrosion. Can different coolants be mixed? It is essential to use the same brand of coolant. Different brands may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could trigger chemical reactions between additives, rendering them ineffective. How to choose coolant: The key indicators for coolant are its freezing and boiling points. Market-available coolants come in specifications like -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C freezing points. Generally, select a coolant with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. How to choose coolant: Generally, select a coolant with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region.
That day while driving to work, the temperature gauge suddenly shot up to the red zone, the dashboard warning light kept flashing, and thick steam was pouring out from under the hood. Scared, I immediately pulled over. Upon inspection, I found the coolant was nearly empty, with fluid dripping everywhere near the radiator. If not addressed promptly, the engine could overheat and be ruined, costing thousands in repairs. Neglecting regular checks is a bad idea, especially on long drives—overheating can cause the car to stall midway, making towing a hassle. Simply popping the hood occasionally to check fluid levels can save a lot of trouble. Low coolant can mildly affect AC cooling or severely damage the engine—never take it lightly.
The most obvious sign of low coolant is a sudden rise in the temperature gauge, with the warning light staying on or flashing. You may also feel a lack of power and difficulty accelerating while driving, and there might be slight steam or traces of leaking fluid under the hood. Based on repair experience, this can lead to engine overheating risks, and in severe cases, internal components may deform or even seize, causing a breakdown. I recommend stopping the vehicle immediately to let it cool down, then checking the coolant level—it should be between the MIN and MAX marks to be considered safe. Prolonged low coolant levels can also corrode the pipes, and in winter, it’s more likely to freeze and crack the radiator, leading to greater damage. For simple daily maintenance, just unscrew the cap once a month and take a quick look to prevent most issues.
