What Happens If There Is No Coolant in the Car?
2 Answers
If there is no coolant, the car's engine will continuously operate at high temperatures, unable to dissipate heat. Excessive temperature can easily cause the engine to overheat and fail to function properly. In cold weather, the vehicle's cooling system may also malfunction, leading to part damage. It is not advisable to continue driving when there is no coolant. The primary function of coolant is to dissipate heat from the engine. Without coolant, the engine's cooling system will fail, affecting the radiator's heat dissipation efficiency. The cooling fluid used in cars must meet the vehicle's specifications. The coolant level can be checked by opening the engine hood, where 'min' indicates the lower limit and 'max' the upper limit. The coolant level should ideally be between the upper and lower limits.
I once drove to another city for a trip when suddenly the coolant temperature warning light came on, and smoke started coming out from under the hood. I was so scared that I immediately pulled over to the side of the road. Upon checking, I found that almost all the coolant had leaked out, and the engine was extremely hot, nearly damaging critical components. The coolant's role is to absorb engine heat and dissipate it. Without it, the temperature skyrockets, which can damage the cylinder head gasket and even melt the pistons, leading to serious consequences. That time, I had to tow the car to the repair shop, spending over 800 yuan to replace the coolant and fix the parts—it was a real lesson. Now, I’ve developed the habit of checking the coolant level every month, always keeping it within the marked range on the reservoir. If the level is low, I add proper antifreeze—never using tap water as a substitute—to protect the car. Routine maintenance is crucial, and I also check before every long trip to ensure a safe journey.
