If your car won’t start, the first thing you should do is check the fluid levels and temperature. However, if all of those seem normal and your car has been sitting for a while, there’s another possibility that needs to be considered – low coolant.
If your car’s coolant level is below the MIN or MAX line on the radiator cap, you’ll need to add some coolant. Follow these steps to refill your car’s coolant:
What is Low Coolant
If your car is not starting, the first thing you should do is check the battery, alternator, and starter. If all three are okay, you may have a low coolant problem. Low coolant will prevent your car from starting. If the coolant level is too low, it can also damage your engine.
Causes of Low Coolant
Are you having problems starting your car? Low coolant may be the culprit.
A few common causes of low coolant include a blown headgasket, cracked block, or failed water pump. If you have recently replaced any of these components, it’s a good idea to check the coolant level and replace as needed. Other common causes of low coolant include a bad thermostat, plugged radiators, or clogged hoses. In any case, it’s important to bring the coolant level up as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your engine.
How to Test if Your Car Has Low Coolant
If your car won’t start, the first thing you should do is check the coolant level. If it’s low, you’ll need to add more antifreeze. But if the coolant level is normal and the car still won’t start, there may be another problem. Here are four things to check:
1. Check the battery terminals for corrosion or a bad connection.
2. Make sure all of the car’s electrical systems are working properly by checking for voltage at each connector, turning on all of the car’s lights and checking for resistance in the gauge clusters.
3. Check the engine oil level and make sure it’s at its proper level according to your vehicle’s manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Test drive the car and see if it starts while you’re driving it.
Fixing Low Coolant in a Car
If you have a car that doesn’t start because of low coolant, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue. If the car has been sitting for an extended period of time, the engine may have seized up and will require professional assistance to get it running again. In most cases, however, simple fixes can be made to get your car running again. Here are five tips for fixing low coolant in cars:
1. Check the radiator. If the coolant is low, it’s likely that the radiator is also low on fluid. Top off the radiator as necessary with fresh coolant until the car starts up.
2. Check the hoses. Make sure all of the hoses leading to and from the radiator are tight and free of debris. If one or more hoses is loose, it can allow cold air to enter your engine and cause problems.
3. Check the water pump. If your car doesn’t start because of low coolant, chances are that the water pump is broken or not working properly. Replace the water pump as needed and make sure it’s properly torqued down before re-installing it into the engine.
Conclusion
It’s possible that your car’s low coolant level is preventing it from starting. If you can, try to start the car without the use of any accessories, such as the A/C or heater. If you are still having trouble starting your car, then you may need to take it to a mechanic for inspection.