What Causes the Reduction of Antifreeze?
3 Answers
Reasons for the reduction of antifreeze: 1. Unreasonable design of the cooling system; 2. Leakage; 3. Poor circulation leading to rapid consumption; 4. Coolant entering the cylinder and being burned or entering the oil pan. A shortage of antifreeze in a car can easily cause the engine to overheat, leading to engine damage. The normal operating temperature of an engine is between 90 and 120 degrees. Once the antifreeze is insufficient, especially in summer, it can easily cause risks such as engine overheating. Antifreeze has the characteristics of a high boiling point and a low freezing point, with a boiling point around 110 degrees, which can effectively maintain the engine at normal operating temperature and protect the engine. Moreover, since water is corrosive and can produce scale that affects cooling efficiency, it is necessary to ensure that the antifreeze in the car's radiator is within the reasonable range, i.e., between the upper and lower limits marked on the radiator.
I think it's quite common to see a decrease in coolant levels over years of driving, with leaks being the most frequent issue. For example, aging hoses can crack, or the radiator connections might not be tightly secured, leading to coolant leaks, which can be spotted as wet stains under the car. Another issue is wear on the water pump's sealing ring, causing coolant to slowly seep into the engine, which can lead to overheating over time. There's also evaporation, especially during hot summers, where a bit of coolant naturally evaporates—this isn't a major problem, but it's important to check the fluid level regularly. I once experienced a hose leak myself, but thankfully caught it early and had it replaced at a repair shop, avoiding engine damage. In short, take coolant loss seriously: check the auxiliary tank's level marker every month, and if it keeps dropping, get a professional diagnosis immediately—don't delay and risk bigger problems.
I've identified several key factors that could cause a decrease in coolant levels. One is external leakage, such as loose hose or radiator connections where fluid drips onto the ground - this is easily noticeable. Another is internal leakage, like a failed water pump seal allowing coolant to mix with oil, turning it milky white. There's also normal evaporation, especially in hot weather, where a small amount volatilizes and simply requires periodic top-ups. I recommend first checking simple areas yourself - open the hood and inspect connection points for residue traces, using tissue paper to wipe and test. If no leak points are found, consider whether engine issues might be affecting the cooling system, in which case professional diagnostic equipment is needed. Maintaining proper coolant levels is crucial - record the quantity during quarterly top-ups, and be alert if there's significant deviation.
