What is the situation when a car burns coolant?
2 Answers
There are 5 situations when a car burns coolant: Damaged radiator cap: A damaged radiator cap will leak a large amount of water vapor, leading to coolant loss over time. It is necessary to replace the radiator cap with a new one. System leakage: After prolonged driving, many parts of the car's cooling system may develop leaks, which can cause the car to burn coolant. In this case, it is essential to promptly inspect the sealing condition of each component in the system. Engine overheating: Continuous high temperature and overheating of the engine can cause the coolant to boil and vaporize, leading to a significant loss of coolant through the steam valve of the radiator cap. To prevent engine overheating, it is crucial to add cooling water in time. Low water level: If the car's water level is too low, the cooling efficiency decreases, resulting in the burning of coolant. It is important to ensure the water level is maintained between the maximum and minimum marks when adding water. Non-compliant coolant: When the coolant's boiling point is too low or the evaporation rate is too high, it can lead to burning coolant. It is advisable to use the original manufacturer's coolant for refilling.
I noticed the car was consuming coolant extremely fast, which I experienced last year. At first, I thought it was just a normal leak, but there were no water stains on the ground. After taking it to the repair shop for inspection, I found out it was a cylinder head gasket sealing issue—the coolant was seeping into the combustion chamber and getting burned off. When driving, the exhaust pipe emitted white smoke, and the temperature gauge skyrocketed, which was quite alarming. Fortunately, I dealt with it in time; otherwise, engine overheating and failure would have cost much more. I spent over 900 yuan to replace the parts, and now I’ve developed a habit: checking the fluid level monthly and switching to high-quality coolant in winter to prevent freezing cracks. My advice is not to overlook this seemingly minor issue, as it could indicate a major fault. Getting a professional diagnosis early can save money and bring peace of mind.
