A drop in coolant level is normal over time because the coolant can evaporate when maintained at an average temperature. However, it is only common in extensively used cars, and only a slight drop is expected. Coolant levels do not drop overnight. However, if it happens, it is a startling situation, and proper examination must be done.
To keep the engine cool and in working condition, an engine’s cooling system works by removing the excess heat and maintaining the optimal temperature. It is required to operate the engine as fast as possible. In an ineffective cooling system, proper functioning will be disturbed.
How Much Coolant Loss Is Normal?
According to the experts and manufacturers, the coolant drop of about 0.25 percent is normal every six months. This amount is considered normal only when certain factors are present, and these factors are:
- The engine is operating well, and you notice no sudden decrease in the car’s acceleration.
- The engine is not too old and in proper working condition.
- You do not notice any damage or leakage of the coolant oil in the car.
If these factors are in place, the loss of 2-3 ounces of coolant over one year or a one-inch drop is normal. There is, therefore, no need to worry about it. The coolant drop of this calculated amount is also helpful as it indicates the car engine is functioning as usual.
Thus, we suggest you keep a keen eye on your car’s coolant level. As a result, you will be able to detect signs about your car’s issue before facing severe damage. The slight drop in the coolant level means there is no need to be worried and frustrated. However, cases of a rapid decrease in the engine’s coolant level indicate a more significant problem and need immediate action to get it fixed.
What Causes the Coolant Level to Drop?
As earlier stated, coolant loss is normal and not unusual to a certain level or extent. However, a rapid drop in the coolant level over a few days or in a matter of a few hours is alarming, and it can be an indication of some malfunctioning happening in the car.
Below are the few causes of the drop in the coolant levels of a car engine:
Leaky Radiator Cap
Leaks in the radiator are one of the most common causes of coolant loss. The radiator cap plays a vital role and has a significant impact on the overall cooling system of the engine as it holds the coolant with the right amount of pressure. Over time, the seal of the radiator cap deteriorates, and the damage to the radiator cap allows the coolant to move out, thus causing a drop in its level.
Hole in the Radiator
The radiator does an enduring job and faces a lot of abuse. A hole in the radiator that results from the corrosion or minor accident makes the coolant seep out, and thus a drop in the coolant level occurs. In addition to this, any leak in the sealing gasket also results in the moving out of the coolant. Moreover, the hoses can become brittle and soft over time and fail to perform their functions properly. These leaks and holes in the cooling system tend to drop the coolant level.
Defective Expansion Tank
The expansion tank is a plastic container that is present right beside the engine, and the main purpose of this tank is to help supply coolant to the radiator. A rubber hose is used to connect the expansion tank and the radiator. Over time and exposure to temperature changes, the tank’s plastic becomes weak and cracks easily. Moreover, a defect in the rubber hose can also cause the escape of the coolant.
Failed Water Pump
The water pump plays a critical role by ensuring that the coolant easily circulates throughout the engine’s cooling system. You can connect the water tank to the lower house of the radiator with the help of a belt, and sometimes, the belt corrodes and causes leakage.
Furthermore, the water tank can also suffer from external damage, which leads to a crack or leak. When the water pump is not working efficiently, the coolant does not circulate properly, and eventually, the engine becomes hotter, and damage occurs.
Read Also: What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Oil Cooler
Why Is My Coolant Low but No Leaks?
Leaks are not always the cause of coolant drops. Some other guilty parts can play a role in the level drop of coolant. Some of the followings are:
Blown Head Gasket
The main culprit when the coolant level is dropping down constantly but no leaks or cracks are found is a blown head gasket. The role of a head gasket in the engine’s performance is not negligible. The main feature of the head gasket is to keep the coolant and engine oil in a separate space. Moreover, it can properly manage a vast range of temperatures.
When a gasket fails, the engine oil and the coolant are no longer separate, and this mixing can cause severe damage and even lead to engine failure. Moreover, when the coolant comes into the area of the engine, it burns off, and thus its level drops.
Initially, when the head gasket is blown, it is not easily noticed because it is an internal leakage. Moreover, your car can cover a few miles without showing any visible signs of problems. However, the rising engine temperature and white smoke indicate this issue. In addition to this, the coolant can come out and causes a drop in its level.
Evaporation
Another reason for coolant drop can be the evaporation process. In response to the natural steaming phenomenon, the coolant evaporates, and its level becomes low with time. In the extremely high temperature, the evaporation pace of coolant increases, which can cause a low level of the coolant.
Filling With Low Amount
The coolant level may show a drop if you use low levels of coolant while topping it into the coolant tank. As a result, there are no leaks or evaporation, but the lack of optimal coolant filling in the tank is the reason behind the low level. The coolant tank must be at least 30% complete for normal functioning. However, overfilling does not save you from the problem; rather, it puts you in a hassle. Because coolant expands due to heat, the extra coolant will spill out.
Also Know: How to Tell if Engine Is Damaged From No Oil?
Conclusion
The coolant plays a vital role in the overall maintenance of the vehicle’s temperature and helps it work with its optimal capacity. A slight drop in the coolant level of the car over a few months is totally normal and not alarming at all. A one-inch drop in the coolant level after a whole year of driving is a yardstick.
However, the rapid drop is frightening. Thus, keeping an eye on the car’s whole cooling system helps rule out the problem. Let us know if you found this article of any help.
