What to Do When the Coolant Level Is Too Low?
4 Answers
After parking the car, the owner can open the hood, locate the car's radiator, and open the radiator cap. After opening the radiator cap, pour the coolant into the radiator, being careful not to exceed the maximum level.
Last time during a long-distance road trip, I noticed the coolant warning light came on, so I immediately pulled over to check the reservoir level, which was indeed below the minimum mark. I found a nearby gas station and bought a bottle of the same type of antifreeze. After waiting for the engine to cool down completely, I slowly topped it up to the middle level. However, over the next few days, the level dropped again. Eventually, I discovered a pinhole leak in the radiator and temporarily sealed it with epoxy resin to make it to the repair shop. I recommend fellow drivers to always keep a small bottle of coolant in the glove box, regularly check the reservoir—especially before long trips—and promptly investigate any recurring drops in coolant level. Common leak points include hose connections and the water pump shaft seal.
From my experience, if you find the coolant level is low, don't rush to drive. First, find a safe place to park and turn off the engine, then wait half an hour for the machine to cool down. Open the hood and locate the translucent plastic reservoir - if it's below the Min mark, it needs topping up. Once I used regular tap water in an emergency, and it resulted in heavy scale buildup in the radiator. Now I only use the manufacturer-recommended dedicated coolant. Never mix different colors - red and green mixtures can coagulate and clog the pipes. After refilling, start the engine and wait for the water temperature to normalize before checking the level again. If it keeps dropping, you'll need to check the sealing. A deteriorated radiator cap gasket can also cause slow leaks.
When the car's coolant is low, I immediately stop to check. First, observe the ground for any pink or green liquid traces to determine if there's a leak. Wait for the engine to cool down completely before opening the reservoir, then top it up with specialized coolant to the mid-level mark. Remember to perform this operation when the engine is cold, as hot water can splash and cause burns. Once, my car had a slow leak due to a deteriorated thermostat seal ring, losing about ten milliliters per hour, which was hard to notice. Now, I make it a habit to check the coolant level monthly and wipe the reservoir surface to check the scale when washing the car. If the level drops significantly within three days after topping up, it's advisable to visit a repair shop for a comprehensive pressure test of the cooling system.
