What Causes the Decrease in Coolant?
2 Answers
It is normal for coolant to have some minor consumption, as although the entire cooling system is sealed, the coolant reservoir cap has a pressure relief hole. Methods to determine if coolant is insufficient: Observe the coolant warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to a lack of coolant, though it could also be caused by excessively high cylinder temperatures. Check the coolant reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and promptly add coolant. Inspect the water level markings on the coolant reservoir. The normal coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. To determine if coolant is lacking, check the markings—if the coolant is below the minimum level, it indicates a deficiency. Precautions for replacing coolant: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leaks or cracks in the pipes, with particular attention to the five-way hose. The five-way hose is named for its five connections to various parts, and coolant flows through it before being distributed to different sections of the car to perform its function. If there are signs of coolant leakage in this area, replace the hose or resecure the connections as needed.
Speaking of coolant loss, I've been driving for almost ten years and this issue is quite common. There are basically two reasons: either it's leaking or it's being burned in the engine. Leaks often occur at the radiator hose connections or the water pump seal, and sometimes pipes degrade and slowly seep; if coolant enters the combustion chamber, such as from a damaged cylinder head gasket, the coolant will be burned off, leading to white smoke and a rapid drop in fluid level. Normal evaporation is minimal and negligible. I recommend checking the coolant reservoir level monthly, keeping it between the min and max marks. If the level drops sharply, take it to a professional shop immediately—otherwise, engine overheating can cause severe damage, with repair costs running into thousands. For routine checks, look for stains on the ground or smell under the hood—simple yet practical. In short, don’t overlook small changes; safe driving relies on attentive maintenance.
