Why Does Coolant Decrease?
2 Answers
Coolant reduction can be attributed to natural consumption, coolant leakage, or coolant entering the combustion chamber to participate in combustion, such as due to cylinder block cracks, cylinder head gasket burning or corrosion deformation, etc. Natural Consumption: Various fluids in a car inevitably experience consumption. Since coolant is responsible for cooling the car engine and is often in a high-temperature state, it is normal for coolant to decrease by about 10%-36% per year under general circumstances. Coolant Leakage: If coolant requires frequent top-ups, this indicates there is a leakage point. Rubber and metal pipes, often exposed to high temperatures, may age due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to small gaps through which coolant can seep. Common leakage-prone areas include the radiator hoses, air conditioning heater hoses, thermostat, and water pump seals. Regularly inspecting sealing glue, tightening clamps, and timely maintenance and repairs can ensure driving safety and prevent breakdowns or accidents. Coolant Entering the Combustion Chamber to Participate in Combustion, Such as Due to Cylinder Block Cracks, Cylinder Head Gasket Burning or Corrosion Deformation, etc.: In this case, pull out the dipstick to check if the engine oil shows signs of emulsification (oil emulsification means the oil turns into a milky liquid, appearing milky white or milky yellow, resembling stirred flour paste with bubbles). This happens because the cylinder block contains oil and coolant passages. Once the cylinder head gasket is damaged, the coolant passage can no longer be sealed, allowing coolant to flow into the oil passage. The solution is to replace the cylinder head gasket.
Speaking of the decrease in antifreeze, I must say I've encountered it quite often over the years of driving. It's mainly caused by natural evaporation. When the engine runs at high temperatures, the liquid inevitably evaporates a little, and over time the fluid level drops. Minor leaks are also quite common, such as aging or loose connections at hose joints or radiator edges, which may drip antifreeze – you can spot this by checking for wet marks on the ground where you park. In more serious cases, like a damaged water pump seal or internal engine gasket issues, the fluid level can drop rapidly. A while back, when I was checking my car, I noticed bubbles rising in the antifreeze, which is a sign of internal combustion – the liquid might be getting sucked into the engine and burned, causing white smoke from the exhaust pipe, which is particularly dangerous. Normally, I check the reservoir when the engine is cold, and if the level is below the Min line, I top it up with the same type of antifreeze. Never use tap water as a substitute, as it can easily cause rust. To prevent the problem from worsening, regular maintenance is key – inspect it every six months or so, and if you find any leaks, take it to the repair shop immediately to replace the parts. This helps avoid engine overheating and breaking down on the road.
