What Causes the Coolant Level to Drop by Half in Just a Few Days?
2 Answers
Coolant reduction is a normal phenomenon, including engine oil and windshield washer fluid, which will decrease during vehicle usage. The primary reason for coolant reduction is natural evaporation. Coolant serves to cool the car engine, which often operates at high temperatures. Since the coolant is in contact with the engine, some consumption is normal. How to choose coolant: The basic indicators of coolant are its freezing point and boiling point. On the market, coolants are available with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose a coolant with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. How to determine if coolant is low: Observe the coolant warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to low coolant, though it could also be caused by excessively high cylinder temperatures. Check the coolant reservoir. If the level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving; promptly add coolant. Inspect the water level markings on the coolant overflow tank. The normal coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. To determine if coolant is low, check the markings. If the coolant is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage.
I just changed the coolant in my car, and within a few days, I noticed the level had dropped by half, which is really alarming. I suspect it might be due to air not being fully purged during the replacement, causing the level to drop as bubbles escaped. However, external leaks are more common, such as loose radiator connections or aging hoses with cracks—my old car had this issue before. I crawled under the car to check and indeed found a small leak with coolant dripping. I recommend you quickly jack up the car and use a flashlight to inspect around the radiator and water pump for any oil stains or water droplets. Internal leaks are even scarier—if you see white smoke from the exhaust after starting the car, it means coolant has entered the engine, and you should stop immediately and seek professional repair. Regular maintenance, like replacing hoses and checking cap seals, can prevent major issues. Don’t forget, coolant is the lifeblood of your car’s cooling system. Losing too much can cause the engine to overheat and burn out, leading to costly repairs later.
