Coolant helps to regulate the engine temperature and prevent overheating. The car’s engine cannot run at optimum temperature if there is insufficient coolant. So, when you drive your car, the engine will stutter.
This article will explore why the low coolant cause the car to shake. Thus, you can prevent engine damage and keep your car running smoothly.
What is Coolant in a Car?
Coolant, commonly referred to as antifreeze, is a liquid substance used in the cooling system of a car’s engine. Typically, it contains water, ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol, which provides functions including lubricating, corrosion prevention, and raising of boiling point.
What is the Function of Coolant in a Car?
The primary function of the coolant is to keep the engine’s temperature of car cool by absorbing heat. As the engine is running, it produces a lot of heat.
If this heat is not controlled, it could harm the engine. As a result, it limits the engine’s efficiency. Also, the engine will not get accurate acceleration.
Coolant flows throughout the engine, absorbing heat and transporting it to the radiator, where it is released into the atmosphere to keep the engine working at the right temperature.
Moreover, with a low freezing point, coolant also prevents the engine from freezing in cold weather. Also, it has chemicals that stop the metal parts of the cooling system from corroding, which can happen when oxygen and other pollutants are present.
7 Reasons Why Low Coolant Can Cause the Car to Shake
Here are some leading reasons why low coolant can cause the car to shake:
Fuel Inefficiency
One of the major symptoms of low coolant is the inefficiency of fuel. You know that the engine gives the best performance at the ideal temperature. If the car consumes fuel at a high rate, it is because of the cooling system.
Most likely, there is either an excessive amount of low coolant or none at all. Moreover, it will cause a variety of acceleration issues.
Leaking Pipes
If you have low engine coolant problems, check for leaking pipes. If you are having this problem, simply stop the car. Check underneath the hood of your car. If the pipes leak, you may find green or orange water droplets underneath the pipes.
However, you can fix the issue by putting a stop leak in the radiator if there are several leaks in the pipes.
Faulty Heater
A non-functional heater is also a sign of low coolant in the engine. It happens when there is a lack of warm air coming from the vents or a decrease in the amount of warm air that is produced.
The same coolant used by the car heater runs on the controlled engine. That is why it controls the temperature.
Read more, Can a Weak Battery Cause a Car to Run Rough?
Overflowing Reservoir
An overflow reservoir indicates the car’s coolant levels are low. Therefore, you must check the overflow reservoir above or below the marking. These markings will indicate whether or not the cooler expands and needs to be expelled.
So, when the engine becomes hot, the coolant is passed through a small tube because the coolant is vaporized. You may determine when to expel and when not to.
Anti-freeze Smell
Are you curious about what antifreeze is?
It is a substance added to the coolant. The smell is sweet. So, if you notice this lovely scent, don’t rejoice.
If you notice a pleasant smell coming from the engine, it’s likely the result of a leak in the cooling system. The car can shake when accelerating if your transmission fluid level is low. Avoid using too little transmission fluid when driving as well. Over time, it will harm the transmission of the car.
Thus, while driving, always have a sufficient supply of transmission fluid.
Rising Temperature Gauge
Increasing the temperature gauge is another sign of low coolant in the engine. The engine is cooled when the temperature is below half on the dashboard mark.
If there is a rise in the temperature gauge, then be sure the coolant level is low. But if the problem still exists after that, you have coolant leakage.
The Bottom Line
Low coolant levels can cause a serious shaking issue and vibrate your car’s engine. It can lead to overheating and damage to the engine. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the coolant levels by checking the coolant level regularly. If you cannot solve the issue, try to meet with an expert.
To prevent expensive repairs and keep your automobile operating safely and efficiently, you should take immediate action if you see any warning indications of low coolant. Remember that your car’s lifetime and performance depend on a properly maintained coolant system.
FAQs
How does a car act when coolant is low?
Your engine will begin to warm up when the coolant level is low. The feature will automatically turn off to protect the engine. Once the engine cools down, you can drive your vehicle again.
Can I use water instead of coolant?
Technically, you can use water instead of coolant. But it is not advised as a long-term solution and not in severe weather conditions. Water freezes at 0°C, so utilizing water in your cooling system is problematic.
Can low coolant affect acceleration?
Low coolant levels may cause your car’s decreased acceleration or higher fuel consumption usage. Because coolant keeps engines running smoothly, so when gasoline is burnt more quickly, it is not getting to the engine as it should be.
How long can a car run without coolant?
Without coolant, your engine wouldn’t survive more than a few minutes. Coolant is arguably the most crucial fluid you’ll find under the hood of your car. Without it, your engine would not survive much longer.
Can I drive my car with low coolant?
You can continue driving for a while if your car’s coolant level is low. It depends on the coolant level. You can drive your car for a few days if it is low but still more than the required amount. But, if the level is below the minimum, do not attempt to start your engine.