Back to fixter. But what happens to your engine when it runs without the required amount of coolant or the right antifreeze mix? Operating at the correct engine temperature is imperative for healthy vehicle operation. Knowing how to top up engine coolant, when to make a coolant change and how to find your coolant expansion tank are simple operations every motorist should know. The coolant in your engine is a mixture of water and antifreeze.
It works by circulating the engine and through the radiator to help maintain your optimum engine temperature, to prevent overheating. The coolant operates at higher temperatures and pressures because it has a higher boiling point than water.
It removes the excess heat from your engine and dissipates back into the atmosphere it via your radiator. Another handy function of your coolant is that it also prevents the water in your cooling system from freezing during winter. Pretty clever, huh? Many modern cars now include a cut-off feature.
If your engine blows, repair costs can run into the thousands. Topping up engine coolant or flushing your system when it needs it could save you from expensive and easily avoided costs. A sealed bottle of antifreeze has an indefinite shelf life. Once opened, it will keep for years if stored in the original container.
Antifreeze — coolant that has not been mixed with water — tends to last even longer than pre-mixed engine coolant, though both last for years. It is only when coolant is poured into a vehicle and reacts with other liquids that it begins to degrade. You can buy antifreeze testers to measure the level of coolant freeze protection.
These will indicate the quality of your coolant. Follow our easy steps to top up your antifreeze here. If your old coolant has degraded, do not pour it onto the ground or down a drain.
Or even a cooling system? Well, water vapor steam does not cool very well, liquid does, and the presence of air pockets in the cooling system prevents the proper circulation of the antifreeze mixture through the water pump.
We prevent steam production those air pockets by preventing the fluid from boiling in the first place. We do this by increasing the boiling point of plain water by putting it under pressure. We also add "antifreeze" also called "coolant" which apart from freeze prevention also increases the boiling point.
So the car's pressurized system plus antifreeze keep the liquid from boiling into vapor. The liquid then absorbs heat and prevents overheating. The liquid then passes through the radiator where it sheds its heat, then circulates back to the block and heads to take more heat out of the engine.
Without antifreeze in you car you are running an all-vapor system! Waste heat cannot leave the engine. An air-cooled engine at least has the benefit of cooing fins.
You don't. So the temperature of the other fluids, metal parts, seals all quickly rise to dangerous levels. Then it is simply a matter of time before you get the problems of running hot: detonation, oil turning into solid deposits, metal warping aluminum before steel and so on. Your automatic transmission shares a radiator with the engine to cool the transmission fluid, so without antifreeze in a functioning radiator you are going to quickly overheat the fluid a kind of special oil in the transmission: causing deposits to build up in tiny passages, poor shifting, and ultimately damage to the transmission.
Modern cars can detect this overheating with a temperature sensor and put the car into a "limp home mode" that limits engine speed but it's a race against time before major damage is done.
If not catastrophic damage that leaves you stranded. Without extensive testing, you don't have any way of knowing exactly when damage will occur. If the cooling system is otherwise in good shape, plain water should be sufficient to keep the engine cool.
If the radiator is partially clogged, or the thermostat isn't opening all the way or is not opening until the temperature gets much higher, or if the water pump is not working at full strength, then having plain water which boils at a lower temperature may lead to overheating.
You might also have an overheating problem in extremely hot climates. In any case, the engine temperature gauge on the dash should show you whether you have overheating; if the temperature is below the mid line, it's safe to keep driving. If on the other hand you mean with no fluid at all, it's almost certainly impossible to drive the vehicle without major overheating and engine damage.
If you have a really small 4 cylinder engine and the outdoor temperature is well below freezing, however, you might be able to get by with just air cooling as long as you keep moving fast. I wouldn't try it unless you're prepared to rebuild or replace the engine, though.
There is an easy fix additive. Radiator leak fix. It is liquid you can mix with your coolant to seal off any leaks. Third Consider replacing your radiator if it is old. Make sure your motor casing isn't cracked or than you haven't ruin your engine internal seals. If that is the case you need to junk the motor. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top.
Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. What happens if I drive without antifreeze in my car? Ask Question. Asked 8 years, 8 months ago. Active 2 years, 7 months ago.
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