Can engine coolant just evaporate?

Question

My Kia Sedona's temp gauge goes to almost H when at Idle. I checked the coolant and it is low. I can't see any leaks on the driveway. Should I just add coolant and check it, or do I have a bigger problem?

Answer 1

You can check several things in your car:

1- When you first start it in the morning, check if there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust. If there is white smoke, your coolant is leaking into your cylinders and hence your coolant level is low.

2- If you do not see a white smoke then check your radiator cap. the coolant might be escaping from there. You can try changing the radiator cap with a new one as it is not that costly and may solve your problem.

3- If that does not solve your problem then their must be some kind of leak in your cooling system and check all the hoses. One way to do that is when you park your car after driving it for about 20-30 minutes. Open the hood and check if you have any odd smell under the hood. The smell would indicate steamy liquid escaping from somewhere.

4- Last thing you can check is if your oil and coolant are mixing which is a bigger problem and would suggest that the head gasket has blown. The way to check for oil and coolant mixing is to take out the oil pan dipstick and see if you have white substance on it along with your oil. If you only see oil, ten you are fine, if you spot something else with oil then it is mixing with coolant/water.

Hope these pointers help. good luck

Answer 2

Dear Sedona-

Yes the coolant will evaporate over time. This naturally occurs due to the heating and cooling process of the cooling system. I would advise that you have the vehicle's cooling system checked at your dealership, then serviced.

This should include a complete pressure test, and a cooling system drain, flush and refill.

While you are there, pick up a gallon of their coolant and keep in in the garage. You will probably find that after they service your car the level will be a little low in the overflow reservior. this is normal, just top the reservior off to the full mark and you should be good to go.

Just a little tip though, when you are filling up at the gas station, let the fuel pump do its job, and lift the hood on your car. Have a look at the oil level and coolant levels while the tank is getting filled. This is the best way to catch any issues before they become a big bill at the shop.

I do this while I am filling up at the stations. You would be suprised how many small things you can catch and have repaired before you get the WHOPPER from your mechanic.

Good luck and I hope I was able to help you out!

Answer 3

It is a closed system, so coolant cannot evaporate. You have a leak somewhere.

Don't let the engine run overheated like that, or you will likely damage it.

Never remove the radiator cap or open the reservoir when the engine is hot. The fluid inside is under pressure and hot enough to scald you.

Buy some antifreeze (most stores sell it premixed or you can buy it full strength and dilute it with water yourself 50/50). The look for puddles in the driveway or signs of a leak under the hood, especially around the water pump, radiator and hoses. If you're lucky, that's all it is and you can replace the leaky part. It could be leaking internally from a bad head gasket, cracked cylinder head or cracked engine block, in which case it's time to spend some big bucks.

Good luck.

Answer 4

you proably have a leak somwhere, i would have it checked if i where you. it usually doesnt evaporate. and when your low on coolant. dont add more ani freeze, always top it off with water. whats in your radiator right now is only 50% anti freeze, the other 50% is water.

john

Answer 5

coolant cannot just evaporate. Anytime you overheat at idle You have a problem, is your fan(s) running at idle ?

Answer 6

You have a BIG problem...head gasket leak