Coolant loss - causes, warning signals and what to do

If you see white smoke coming out of your car's exhaust, it can naturally be worrying. It's often a sign that something is wrong, but there are various causes, from harmless to serious problems. We explain what triggers the smoke, how to pinpoint the cause and what measures you should take to fix the problem quickly.

Why you should keep an eye on the cooling water

Imagine you are driving relaxed on the highway, the engine is purring contentedly and everything seems to be in perfect order. Suddenly your eyes fall on the temperature display - and it climbs rapidly into the red zone. This is a worrying sign that you should not ignore. At such moments, this often means one thing: your engine is losing cooling water.

Without sufficient coolant, the engine can no longer be cooled sufficiently, which inevitably leads to overheating. This puts the cooling system under enormous pressure and the rising heat can have serious consequences. Overheating is no small problem - it can lead to serious damage to the engine, in the worst case even to a total loss. Quick action is crucial here, because every minute in the red zone brings the engine closer to an irreparable state.

What are the typical triggers?

The cooling water is "vital" for the smooth operation of our vehicles. It ensures that the engine does not overheat by dissipating excess heat. However, if your car Cooling water lossthis may indicate various problems in the cooling system that you should definitely rectify in order to avoid serious damage to the engine.

Cracked or porous radiator hosesOver time, the hoses of the cooling system can become brittle and develop small cracks through which cooling water slowly escapes.
Faulty water pumpThe water pump circulates the coolant in the system. If it no longer works properly, this can lead to a loss of coolant.
Cracks in the expansion tankA damaged expansion tank or a defective cap can cause cooling water to escape.
Defective cylinder head gasketA common and serious reason for the loss of cooling water is a leaking cylinder head gasket, through which the cooling water enters the combustion chamber and is burnt there.

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Cooling water loss without leakage - a creeping problem

Coolant loss without visible leakage is one of the most insidious problems that drivers encounter in everyday life. The loss often goes unnoticed until the damage has progressed. There are no obvious leaks and it is only when the coolant level indicator lights up or the engine overheats that the problem becomes apparent. A common cause of this is a defective cylinder head gasket, which allows coolant to enter the combustion chamber, where it evaporates or is burnt off. This gradual process means that the engine is no longer cooled sufficiently and quickly overheats. If the temperature display rises dangerously, you need to act quickly: stop the engine immediately and switch it off to prevent serious damage or even a total loss.

Signs of a defective cylinder head gasket

One Defective cylinder head gasket is undoubtedly one of the most serious problems with a combustion engine. If you notice any of the following signs, you should act immediately and have your vehicle checked in a workshop to avoid expensive engine damage.

White smoke from the exhaust: When starting the engine or accelerating, thick, white smoke suddenly escapes from the exhaust. What appears harmless at first glance has a serious cause - cooling water has found its way into the combustion chamber and is being burned there together with the fuel. This unusual spectacle from the exhaust system is a clear indication that something is very wrong in the engine.
Bubble formation in the cooling water: If you notice bubbles or foam when opening the coolant expansion tank, this indicates combustion gases in the cooling system. These can enter the system through a leaking cylinder head gasket.
Difficulties starting the engine: If the engine is difficult to start or runs unevenly, this could also indicate a leaking cylinder head gasket. Cooling water in the combustion chamber impairs compression and ensures that the engine does not run smoothly.
Overpressure in the cooling system: A defective cylinder head gasket can also cause combustion pressure to enter the cooling system. This leads to increased pressure, which inflates the coolant hoses and can damage the cooling system.

How to rectify the loss of cooling water

The good news is that coolant loss does not always have to be a case for the workshop!

If there is a lack of coolant, you should top it up regularly to prevent the engine from overheating. It is important to use the right mixture of water and antifreeze, as this combination provides optimum protection for the engine.

If the coolant is lost without escaping, i.e. if coolant keeps disappearing to the outside without any recognizable leaks, this indicates a leaking cylinder head gasket. As long as the engine starts and 60 minutes in standby mode runs without overheating, you can solve the problem Simple, fast and cost-effective with Steel Seal® fix. Thanks to its unique, fiber-free formula, Steel Seal® works quickly and effectively. holds permanently.

If the engine can no longer be started and made to run at all due to a water hammer (too much cooling water in the combustion chamber can no longer be compressed), the engine must be replaced. Replacing the cylinder head gasket unavoidable and that should be a motor Specialized car mechanic take over.

Our tips for preventing cooling water loss

To ensure that the cooling system works perfectly for a long time, there are a few important to-do's that you should carry out regularly.

First of all, regular maintenance is essential. Have the cooling system checked at every inspection to detect potential problems at an early stage and prevent major damage. Another important point is to change the coolant regularly. Over time, old coolant loses its protective effect, which can cause corrosion in the system. You should therefore replace the coolant every two to three years. You should also look out for warning signals at an early stage: If your vehicle overheats or unusual noises are heard from the engine compartment, do not hesitate to have the cooling system checked immediately.

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