Is coolant consumed in a car?

mikebai1990 · 01-03-07, 08:20

I've always thought that the cooling system is a closed system. So, as long as coolant isn't leaking, the coolant level should stay the same throughout its use. However, my dad says that coolant is used, especially in the winter, because the heating system consumes and uses coolant. I don't think that explanation is correct. Comments?

Setec Astronomy · 01-03-07, 08:35

Yeah, cars have steam heat. NO, a properly operating engine should use NO coolant.

BigJimZ28 · 01-04-07, 07:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Yeah, cars have steam heat. NO, a properly operating engine should use NO coolant.

2x

Setec Astronomy · 01-04-07, 07:56

Oops, I forgot the

after "steam heat"!

MCA · 01-04-07, 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigJimZ28

2x

+3

However, coolant can leak into your engine oil - This can cause a lot of problems. The best way to be sure of this is to have an oil analysis done.

BigJimZ28 · 01-04-07, 08:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCA

+3

However, coolant can leak into your engine oil - This can cause a lot of problems. The best way to be sure of this is to have an oil analysis done.

it can leak alot of places and if his dad is loosing it in the winter I would
pressure test the heater core fist!(usually a large puddle on the passanger side
floor , but not all the time)

Yal · 01-04-07, 08:48

If you are losing coolant then Euston you have a problem. It may be a little problem like a slow leak in the radiator that evaporates and leaves no puddle on the floor or a small leak due to a weak pressure cap,

Or it could be a big problem like a head gaskette leak, radiator leak into the tranny fluid or heater core leak.

You may not notice a problem until it gets really bad.

Scottwax · 01-05-07, 05:35

No leaks, no loss. /thread

sspeer · 01-05-07, 05:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwax

/thread

That's hilarious in a geeky kind of way LOL

I'm going to remember to use that!

Kenney · 01-05-07, 06:31

If it is a minute amount over time, I woulnt worry about it. You can take a sample of your oil to be tested to see if there is any coolant in it. Only costs about 35 dollars.

Accumulator · 01-06-07, 11:57

mikebai1990- If your MPV has rear seat heat ducts, and *it* starts losing coolant, it's probably the hoses that carry the (hot) coolant to the rear of the vehicle; they're notorious for going bad when people don't clean the salt and [stuff] out really well.

justin30513 · 01-06-07, 12:01

There's really only two ways that you can loose coolant.

Hose or radiator leak

or....

Headgasket

You will know if it's either one. Watch your guage if he's loosing alot.