How long after adding coolant can I drive? HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU FLUSH THE COOLANT? Depending on the vehicle and the coolant, the average time between flushes is two years or 30,000 miles for silicated coolants and up to five years or 100,000 miles for an extended drain coolant. Signs it Needs to Be Changed On average, most automobile manufacturers recommend a coolant flush every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. After time, it begins to lose its effectiveness. As it flows through the engine, the coolant pulls heat and picks up some dirt, sludge and rust.

It's important to understand that coolant is essential to a car engine because it helps prevent engine overheating. Do not continue to drive as you may end up permanently damaging your engine. If you discover that you are running low and there is no gas station nearby, then it is recommended that you should call for assistance. So, in summation, it is best not to drive your car without coolant. Continued use of an overheated engine could lead to permanent damage, such as pistons welding to the cylinders. So, without enough coolant, the engine could overheat or seize up. What happens when you run out of coolant?Ĭoolant helps pull heat away from the engine. Coolant also lubricates the moving parts it comes into contact with, which protects damage to the water pump, head gasket, the cylinder and piston timing. Car coolant, also known as antifreeze coolant, protects engines from overheating.

Coolant for car wiki