Why does the antifreeze run out in just one month?

[Duarte]

Reasons for rapid antifreeze consumption: There may be a leak in the antifreeze system; poor circulation leading to fast consumption; coolant entering the cylinder and being burned or leaking into the oil pan. Below is relevant information about antifreeze: 1. Definition: Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing during cold winter parking, which could crack the radiator and damage the engine cylinder block. 2. Function: It provides anti-corrosion protection for components of the cooling system. Prevents scale formation, avoiding reduced heat dissipation in the radiator. Ensures the engine operates within the normal temperature range. It must have characteristics such as antifreeze, anti-boiling, anti-corrosion, anti-scaling, and be foam-free, unaffected by seasons or regions.

[Xavier]

I've experienced this before - the coolant was nearly depleted just two months after buying a new car. There are three main areas to check: First, inspect the engine compartment for pink or green water stains, especially around the water pump and heater hose connections, as rubber hoses tend to crack in older vehicles. Second, examine both the radiator and the heater core. My colleague's car had a leaking heater core that soaked the passenger footwell, which was hard to notice. Third, consider internal engine issues - if you see white smoke from the exhaust with a sweet smell, there's an 80% chance the head gasket has failed, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber. As a side note, while using distilled water as a temporary fix is acceptable, never use tap water as the mineral deposits can clog the cooling system.

[SanClaire]

Last month, my old Jetta had the same issue. The experienced mechanic at the repair shop taught me a trick: Use a specialized pressure gauge to clamp the radiator opening when the engine is cold, then conduct a pressure holding test at 1.5 kg. The test revealed a leak at the thermostat base, which was particularly hard to spot because it was blocked by the generator. The mechanic mentioned that nowadays, many plastic fittings in cars become brittle after five or six years, especially in turbocharged vehicles where high temperatures make leaks more likely. There's also a frustrating scenario where the pressure valve in an aftermarket radiator cap fails, allowing coolant to escape as steam unnoticed—replacing it with an OEM cap solves the problem. Remember to lift the car and inspect the oil pan during checks; if coolant leaks into the engine oil, it turns into a milky tea-like substance.

[RachelLynn]

Last time I helped my brother check his modified car for coolant leaks, we discovered a special situation: the EGR cooler on his turbocharged car was cracked. This device is located next to the exhaust manifold, and the leaking fluid was directly evaporated by the high temperature, leaving no trace. Nowadays, some German cars with water-cooled intercoolers or aging electronic water pump seals can also exhibit this issue. Here’s a handy trick: at night when the engine is cold, add fluorescent dye to the radiator, drive for a few days, then use a UV light to inspect the engine bay—the leak points will glow. If you don’t have the equipment, you can stuff A4 paper around the pipe joints; the wet spots will help locate the leaks.