What does it mean to check the coolant?

[McAddyson]

When a car displays a "check coolant" message, it is usually due to insufficient coolant levels, which requires adding more. It's important to check if the antifreeze is adequate. The full name of coolant should be antifreeze coolant, meaning it is a coolant with antifreeze properties. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and expanding in cold weather, which could crack the radiator and damage the engine block. However, it's important to correct a common misconception: antifreeze is not just for winter use—it should be used year-round. More details are as follows: 1. In regular car maintenance, the engine antifreeze should be replaced every year. 2. Functions of coolant: In winter, it prevents freezing. After parking in cold weather, if the coolant freezes, it could cause the radiator and engine block to crack. Therefore, the freezing point of the coolant should be about 10 degrees Celsius lower than the lowest temperature in the region to prepare for sudden weather changes.