What is the reason for the Mercedes-Benz coolant refill prompt?
2 Answers
When a Mercedes-Benz vehicle displays a prompt to refill coolant, manually open the coolant cap to check the actual fluid level. If the level is normal, it may indicate a false alarm, possibly due to an issue with the level sensor or its related wiring. If the fluid level is found to be low, top up the coolant and observe the situation. If the prompt reappears shortly after, it suggests that the issue is not due to normal consumption. Below is additional information: Introduction: The full name of automotive coolant should be antifreeze coolant, which means it has antifreeze functionality. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing during cold seasons, which could otherwise cause the radiator to crack or the engine block to freeze. However, it is important to correct a common misconception: antifreeze is not only for winter use but should be used year-round. In regular vehicle maintenance, the engine antifreeze should be replaced every year. Composition: Coolant consists of three main components: water, antifreeze, and additives. Depending on the antifreeze component, it can be classified into alcohol-based, glycerol-based, ethylene glycol-based, and other types of coolants. Alcohol-based coolant uses ethanol (commonly known as alcohol) as the antifreeze agent. It is inexpensive, has good fluidity, and is simple to prepare, but it has a low boiling point, is prone to evaporation, can easily increase the freezing point, and is flammable.
I've been driving for twenty years. When a Mercedes shows a coolant refill warning, it's mostly due to insufficient coolant or a leak. The cooling system in a Mercedes is very precise. In daily use, low fluid levels could be caused by seepage, such as aging water pumps or hose connections, or accelerated evaporation due to high engine temperatures. When I encounter this, I first open the hood to check the coolant reservoir. If it's below the minimum line, I top it up with the manufacturer-specified coolant. If the warning persists, it's best to check for hidden leaks, such as issues with the radiator or heater core. Ignoring it for a long time could lead to engine overheating and blown head gaskets, which would result in hefty repair costs. I recommend regular maintenance to keep the fluid levels normal and avoid major repair troubles.
