What Causes the Decrease in Antifreeze?
2 Answers
The reasons for the decrease in antifreeze are: 1. Unreasonable cooling system design; 2. Leakage; 3. Poor circulation leading to rapid consumption; 4. Coolant entering the cylinder and being burned or entering the oil pan. The functions of antifreeze are: 1. Providing freeze protection for the engine against low-temperature environments; 2. Preventing the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block and cylinder head when the car is parked in cold winter; 3. Offering efficient heat dissipation. The method for replacing antifreeze is: 1. Open the car hood after the engine has cooled down; 2. Open the antifreeze reservoir cap; 3. Lift the vehicle and open the radiator drain plug, drain the old antifreeze, then reinstall the drain plug; 4. Lower the vehicle and pour new antifreeze into the reservoir.
With years of experience in car repair, I've found that a common cause of coolant loss is external leakage, such as loose radiator connections causing leaks, or aging water pump seals leading to seepage. It could also be due to aged hoses developing holes, leaving green stains on the ground. Internal leaks are more dangerous—damaged engine gaskets can allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber and burn off, resulting in white smoke from the exhaust. Under normal conditions, a small amount may evaporate due to high temperatures, but a noticeable drop in a short period warrants a thorough check, as high temperatures can accelerate consumption. Ignoring this issue can lead to engine overheating and costly, time-consuming repairs. I recommend that car owners check for water traces under the hood after parking, or visit a repair shop for a cooling system pressure test to address issues early and avoid bigger problems. Regular maintenance should include monitoring coolant levels—don’t wait for the warning light to take action.
