As a car owner in the UAE, particularly in Sharjah, having a basic understanding of car maintenance can help you save thousands of dirhams in the long run. One of the most underrated but most important fluids in your car is the engine coolant.
Running your car with low engine coolant may not seem like a problem at first, but it can cause serious engine damage, breakdowns in the hot UAE climate, and expensive repairs. Whether you are off to get a Wheel alignment service in Sharjah, looking for the Best tyre shop in Sharjah, or visiting an Oil shop in Sharjah, do not overlook your engine coolant level.
What is Coolant and What Does It Do?
Coolant, also referred to as antifreeze, is a special fluid that flows through your engine to control engine temperatures. The coolant system protects your engine from overheating during summer and from freezing during winter. In the UAE’s hot climate, where temperatures can easily reach 40°C (104°F) during the day, having a coolant in your car is a must because it will help your car perform well.
Top Risks of Driving With Low Coolant
1. Engine Overheating
The first and most damaging effect of low coolant in your vehicle is engine overheating. The implication of having low coolant in your vehicle means that your engine is not able to cool down. Consequently, the temperature in the engine increases rapidly, and this can occur while you are driving. With the high temperatures in the UAE, engine overheating can occur sooner or later. The signs of engine overheating include:a.The temperature needle is rising into the red zone
b.Steam is coming from under the hood
c.There is a burning smell inside or outside the car
Engine overheating can cause engine parts such as the cylinder head or engine block to warp, and this is very expensive to repair.
2. Head Gasket Failure
A low level of coolant causes the head gasket to fail easily. The head gasket is responsible for sealing major engine parts and preventing coolant from entering the combustion chamber. When the engine overheats, the head gasket may develop cracks or blow out, causing coolant to leak, oil contamination, and loss of compression. Repairing a blown head gasket may cost thousands of dollars.3. Transmission Damage
In most contemporary vehicles, the transmission cooler relies on engine coolant to keep the temperatures in check. If the engine coolant level is low, the transmission will run hotter than intended, which can cause it to fail prematurely, resulting in expensive transmission repairs.4. Breakdown and Safety Risks
The roads in the UAE, whether highways or desert routes, are merciless if your vehicle breaks down suddenly. Driving with low coolant levels raises the risk of leaving yourself stranded, miles away from assistance, which can be particularly hazardous in hot weather. It is essential to check your coolant levels before embarking on a journey and, in addition, perform other preventive checks.Common Causes of Low Coolant
Low coolant levels don’t necessarily mean there’s a leak in the system. Here are some possible causes that you should watch out for:a.Leaks in the hoses or radiator
b.Faulty water pump
c.Loose or damaged radiator cap
d.Leaks inside the engine
f.Old, deteriorated coolant
If your coolant levels are constantly dipping, it is a warning sign, and you should have your car checked.
Tips to Prevent Low Coolant Problems
1. Check Coolant Levels Regularly
It is important to check your coolant levels every month. Your coolant reservoir has MIN and MAX levels. Make sure that your coolant levels are always between these two levels. Top up with the right coolant as recommended by your car manufacturer.
2. Check for Leaks
After parking your car, check underneath for any leaks. If you see bright green, orange, or pink fluid, it is a sign that you have a coolant leak. If this happens, seek the help of a mechanic immediately.
3. Check Cooling System Components
Just as you would look for the best tyre shop in Sharjah or visit an Oil shop Sharjah to change your oil, it is essential to maintain your cooling system:
1.Change old hoses
2.Flush old coolant and top up as scheduled
3.Make sure your radiator cap is sealed tightly
4.Preventive maintenance is always less expensive than repairs.
How Routine Vehicle Services Help
Servicing your car at trusted garages in and around Sharjah can help detect any problems with the cooling system early on. Professionals doing Wheel alignment in Sharjah and car checks will look at fluid levels, belts, and hoses to ensure you don’t have any car failures or overheating problems.Why is it important to have your car checked regularly?
a.Proper diagnosis of the cooling system
b.Inspection of belts, pumps, and radiators
c.Alignment and suspension checks, which impact the engine load
d.Fluid change, which should be done before problems occur
The most skilled mechanics will inspect the cooling system as part of a comprehensive car check.