Car Engine Coolant Low

If you see a warning light on your dashboard that says “coolant low”, it’s important to take action right away. Engine coolant is essential for keeping your car’s engine running cool and preventing it from overheating.

What is engine coolant?

Engine coolant is a liquid that circulates through your car’s engine block and radiator. It absorbs heat from the engine and carries it to the radiator, where it is released into the air. Coolant also prevents the engine from freezing in cold weather.

Engine coolant is typically a mixture of water and antifreeze. Antifreeze is a chemical that lowers the freezing point of water and helps to prevent corrosion.

What happens if your car’s engine coolant is low?

If your car’s engine coolant is low, it can cause the engine to overheat. This can lead to serious damage to the engine, including:

Warped cylinder heads

Blown head gaskets

Seized pistons

What are the symptoms of low engine coolant?

The symptoms of low engine coolant can include:

A warning light on the dashboard that says “coolant low”

Overheating engine

Steam or coolant leaking from the engine

Sweet smell of antifreeze

What should you do if your car’s engine coolant is low?

If you see a warning light on your dashboard that says “coolant low”, it’s important to take action right away. You should:

Pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine.

Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. The reservoir is usually located under the hood near the engine.

If the coolant level is low, add more coolant to the reservoir. You can use a pre-mixed coolant solution or a mixture of water and antifreeze.

Once you’ve added coolant, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will circulate the coolant and help to cool the engine.

If the coolant level continues to drop, there may be a leak in the coolant system. You should have the leak repaired as soon as possible.

How can you prevent low engine coolant?

There are a few things you can do to prevent low engine coolant:

Check the coolant level regularly. You should check the coolant level every time you get an oil change.

Fix any leaks in the coolant system as soon as possible.

Use a pre-mixed coolant solution. Pre-mixed coolant solutions contain the correct amount of antifreeze and water.

Flush the coolant system every 30,000 miles. Flushing the coolant system will remove any debris or contaminants that could clog the system.

Conclusion

Engine coolant is essential for keeping your car’s engine running cool and preventing it from overheating. If you see a warning light on your dashboard that says “coolant low”, it’s important to take action right away.

By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent low engine coolant and keep your car running smoothly.