During the cold winters, you may realize your car changes, especially the coolant, which acts as an antifreeze.
So, where should the coolant level be when cold?
The ideal coolant level should be between the F (full) and the L (low) marks or between the MIN and MAX marks on the coolant reservoir side. Below or above this level, the car might run into problems; thus, you should ensure the coolant is within this level during the winter and any other season.
If you don’t have the right coolant, your car’s components might freeze during a cold day or overheat during the scorching summer.
The coolant is made of 50% water, and 50% antifreeze that keeps your vehicle from freezing and overheating and may keep the vehicle away from corrosion and rusting.
The coolant stabilizes the car temperatures, and it may be wise to consult the car manufacturer on the type of coolant that would go well with your vehicle. Thus, before starting your vehicle, it would be better to check the coolant level as the temperatures may affect it differently.
Contents
Does the coolant level increase or decrease when cold?
The cold season leads to the contraction of the car components, and the coolant is no exception. However, since the coolant has some antifreeze properties, it will stay liquid despite the extreme winter temperatures.
However, the reduced temperature causes pressure decline in the radiator and system, creating a vacuum. The vacuum sucks the coolant back to the radiator; thus, the coolant level will decrease. Your vehicle may not need a coolant top-up if the level is not below the L (low) or MIN mark.
Does the coolant level increase or decrease when hot?
During a hot day, or when the engine produces so much heat, the coolant will expand, increasing its volume. When the coolant volume increases, it creates temporary pressure within the radiator and engine, and the excess coolant will flow into the reservoir. However, the coolant overflows in insignificant amounts.
Can coolant level drop with no visible leak?
You may notice the coolant level has dropped without any visible leakages; if the coolant level drops when it is cold, it may be due to the contraction, which reduces the pressure within the radiator and engine.
However, the coolant should not go below the MIN mark even when it is freezing; thus, if you notice a loss of the coolant, there might be issues with the cooling system. The loss may occur from defective components and rapid changes in the driving style
An overflowing coolant leads to coolant loss, and you might not notice the liquid loss which occurs from frequent overflow. Therefore, it may be better to keep your coolant at the required level all the time.
You should maintain it at the COLD/MIN label on the tank, which is the ideal coolant level when it is cold. The radiator should hold the coolant below the filler neck, and you can refill the coolant to this level.
Sometimes you may not notice inside punctures which leads to internal leakages; a blown-off head gasket, damaged cylinder bores, and fractured cylinder heads may impact the coolant.
The antifreeze may disappear from these faults, and it may be better to check all the internal components for cracks, defects, and damages.
The faulty internal components can easily lead to engine damage, and your mechanic should check every part when you lose the coolant without visible leakages.
A worn-out radiator cap may let the coolant overflow; this cap may deteriorate over time. The clogged radiator system might be a problem since it blocks the liquid flow. Thus the first cooling system component might be leading to issues is the radiator cap.
An overheating engine might lead to coolant loss; you may need to keep the coolant in the system and watch how the engine performs; you may use a temperature gauge to check if the engine is hotter than usual. If the overheating engine impacts the coolant, you may need to see a mechanic.
The driving styles may affect the coolant also; for instance, if you drive the vehicle uphill often or haul heavy loads, your car would lose the coolant. Moreover, faulty exhaust gas recirculation and worn water pumps impact your cooling system.
Does adding coolant increase its volume more than it shows?
Adding the coolant to the radiator may increase its volume, but it is better to add it early in the morning before starting the engine.
Although adding the coolant may increase its volume, you should not be concerned about overflows if you add it only up to the maximum level. A bit of the extra coolant may overflow into the expansion tank, but it does not damage your vehicle.
What Happens If You Drive On Low Coolant?
Driving a low coolant level car is dangerous for your vehicle, leading to engine overheating. The coolant pulls the heat ways from the engine, and without this important liquid, the engine would overheat, leading to permanent damage as the piston might weld into the cylinders.
Low coolant levels might make the head gasket head blow off; you might notice smoke oozing from the head gasket. The car then experiences a loss of power and decreased efficiency, and you may hear engine knocking sounds.
Your car may shut off; this is the first safety measure that shows an extreme coolant level. It prevents significant damage to your automotive due to engine overheating.
Sudden shut-off may save your car but would be dangerous if you are actively driving on a busy or slippery road. You can easily get into an accident; thus, it is better to check the coolant level frequently.
Conclusion
Even when a professional driver, you may fail to check the coolant as needed. However, it is better to check the coolant always to keep the vehicle in a good working condition.
During the winter, the coolant should be on the COLD/MIN level or the L (low) level. The coolant volume may fluctuate due to temperature changes, and it would be on the L level due to contraction during the winter.
If you think the coolant does not cool your car as needed, you may need to drive the car to the mechanic’s office for repairs.
