What Does Low Engine Coolant Level Mean?
2 Answers
Low engine coolant level means there is insufficient coolant, and it should be replenished promptly. The function of engine coolant is to maintain the operating engine within a normal temperature range. It cools the engine when it overheats and also provides antifreeze, anticorrosion, and anti-scaling effects. The steps for adding coolant are: 1. If the car has been driven, wait for the engine to cool down before refilling; 2. Open the hood and locate the engine coolant reservoir, which is spherical and has a triangular thermometer-like symbol on the cap; 3. Turn the coolant reservoir cap counterclockwise. If a hissing sound is heard, wait until it stops before opening; 4. Add an appropriate amount of coolant into the reservoir, filling it to the level between the MAX and MIN marks for the first time; 5. Close the cap, start the car, and the coolant level will gradually drop. At this point, add coolant again, still filling it to the level between the MAX and MIN marks.
When the engine coolant level is low, I usually suspect it's caused by a system leak or insufficient evaporation. My old car had this issue before—while driving, the dashboard coolant temperature light came on, and upon checking, the coolant reservoir was completely empty. Upon inspection, I found a small crack in an aging hose that was slowly dripping. If not addressed promptly, the engine can easily overheat and fail, such as cylinder head warping or piston seizure, which would result in high repair costs. I recommend regularly popping the hood to check the translucent coolant reservoir—when the engine is cold, ensure the level aligns with the marked line. If it's low, top it up with the appropriate antifreeze mixture, avoiding plain water to prevent internal corrosion. Pay extra attention to the coolant level in winter to prevent freezing and startup issues. A car's cooling system is like the human circulatory system—without enough fluid, it seizes up.
