A quick way to determine if your car is low on coolant helps extend the lifespan of your vehicle. Otherwise, serious internal damage may occur. However, how can you identify that? The following article will guide you on how to quickly determine if your car is low on coolant in just a few minutes.
The consequences of a car running out of coolant
Engine coolant flows through the radiator and the car’s engine to keep it cool. Additionally, it prevents the coolant inside the car from freezing in winter. Insufficient coolant can cause the system to malfunction and lead to serious damage to the vehicle.
If your car’s engine overheats, it can lead to serious issues. It can damage the water pump and the cylinder head. Most modern cars are equipped with a safety feature that shuts off the power when coolant runs out.
This feature has been instrumental in preventing potential serious damage. However, older car models may not have this feature. This could result in costly repairs if serious damage occurs.
Therefore, you should be aware of the warning signs indicating that the car is low on coolant. This way, you can quickly top up the coolant to avoid engine damage.
How to tell if your car is low on coolant in 5 minutes
Identifying when your car is low on coolant is relatively simple. You can tell when your car is low on coolant through the following signs:
To let the engine cool down
An important aspect of identifying coolant depletion in a vehicle is to check the coolant level when the engine is cold. The coolant may still be very hot, and the reservoir is often affected by it. This means that if you open the cap before the engine cools down, the hot liquid may leak out and cause burns.
If your car engine has just been started, you should let it idle for at least two hours before performing the procedure to check if your car coolant is low.
Check the transmission lights on the car.
One way to detect low coolant in your car is through the transmission lights. So, don’t forget to check the transmission when driving. If the transmission light is on, address the issue immediately.
Find the expansion tank
When the coolant heats up, the expansion tank will reduce pressure in the engine. Modern cars typically have a coolant reservoir alongside the radiator. It’s often made of white plastic, allowing you to see the coolant level of the vehicle.
Additionally, there are some symbols on the side of the reservoir indicating whether the coolant level is low or high. This is also an easy way to identify if your car is low on coolant to check if your car is low on coolant.
Some related issues regarding identifying when a car is low on coolant
In addition to identifying when a car is low on coolant, you may encounter some related issues such as:
Replacing coolant quickly and easily
After understanding how to identify when the car is low on coolant, you need to proceed with replacing the coolant quickly. To add new coolant, remove the cap from the reservoir and add a mixture of coolant and distilled water (in the correct ratio) up to the maximum mark. Make sure you use the correct coolant and mix it in the right ratio with distilled water.
If unsure, refer to the vehicle-specific instructions before proceeding. Once the coolant mixture is filled, securely lock the cap to seal the reservoir.
How often should coolant be replaced?
Typically, after 40,000 – 50,000 km (approximately 2 – 3 years), it is necessary to clean the radiator and replace the coolant. However, if the vehicle is frequently used in harsh weather conditions or under continuous heavy loads, the coolant will quickly deplete and need to be replenished or replaced.
What type of coolant is good?
Today, there are many coolants available on the market. However, to find an effective coolant for your car, you need to use reputable, quality products. If you’re unsure which brand to use, consider BlueOne®.
BlueOne® Coolant engine coolant is a product of Organic Acid Technology (OAT). The advantage of this technology is its ability to protect and prevent corrosion of metal materials (such as magnesium, aluminum, etc.) in modern generation engines based on neutral organic acid and azole.
Currently, BlueOne® offers a variety of products such as G30 and G50. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose the product that suits you best.I hope through this article, you will understand how to recognize when your car is low on coolant. From there, use the appropriate solution to ensure your engine operates most efficiently!
