What to Do When Your Car Won’t Start After It Ran Out of Coolant

AvatarByCarl Frisch

When a car runs out of coolant, it can cause several problems. The engine may overheat and shut down, resulting in the car not starting. This is because the coolant helps to regulate the temperature of the engine and without it, the engine can become too hot and cease to operate. In some cases, running out of coolant may also cause damage to other components in the engine, such as pistons or cylinders. If your car has run out of coolant and won’t start, you should check your radiator for any signs of leaking or low coolant levels. If necessary, you should then add more coolant to your vehicle before attempting to start it again. If the issue persists, it may be best to seek professional assistance from a mechanic.

Checking the Coolant Level

When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most important steps is to check the coolant level. This can be done by using a dipstick or a coolant tester. It is important to ensure that the coolant level does not drop below a certain level, as this can lead to serious engine damage. If it does drop below that level, it is essential to refill the coolant tank as soon as possible.

Refilling the Coolant Tank

If your car ran out of coolant and won’t start, you will need to refill the coolant tank in order to get it running again. This process involves draining and replacing the old coolant with fresh coolant. It is also important to ensure that all of the air bubbles have been removed from the system, as these can cause a decrease in performance and efficiency.

Bleeding the System

Once you have refilled your car’s coolant tank, you will need to bleed the system. This involves opening up all of the valves and allowing any excess air in the system to escape. If you do not perform this step, then there could be a decrease in performance and efficiency as air bubbles form in certain parts of your car’s cooling system.

Inspecting for Further Problems

Finally, after refilling your car’s coolant tank and bleeding any excess air from its system, you should inspect for any further problems that could be causing your vehicle not to start up properly. This could include checking for leaks in your radiator or hoses and ensuring that all connections are secure and tight. If there are any problems found during this inspection process, then they should be addressed before attempting to start up your vehicle again.

What is Coolant?

Coolant is the liquid responsible for transferring heat away from the engine, preventing it from overheating. It is typically made of a mixture of water and antifreeze and circulates through the radiator, hoses, and engine. Without coolant, the engine would overheat and cause significant damage to your car.

Why is My Car Not Starting?

If your car has run out of coolant, it may not start because the coolant is necessary for maintaining an optimal temperature in the engine. Without enough coolant to keep it cool, your car’s engine will become too hot, resulting in a lack of compression in the cylinders which prevents it from starting.

Common Causes of Low Coolant Levels

There are several common causes for low coolant levels in a vehicle’s cooling system:

Leaking Hoses or Gaskets

This can happen when one of the hoses or gaskets connecting the different parts of the cooling system wears out or develops a crack. When this happens, coolant will leak out and must be replenished as soon as possible.

Evaporation in The Reservoir Tank

The reservoir tank holds extra coolant that gets released into the system when needed. Over time, evaporation can cause this extra supply to diminish and must be refilled periodically.

Inadequate Refilling After An Oil Change

When you get an oil change done on your vehicle, make sure that you also ask for a refill of the radiator fluid. This should be done to ensure that there is always enough coolant circulating through your vehicle’s cooling system.

Faulty Radiator Cap

A faulty radiator cap can prevent adequate pressure from building up inside your vehicle’s cooling system which may result in insufficient amounts of coolant being circulated throughout your vehicle’s cooling system. If you suspect this might be an issue with your car, have it checked by a certified mechanic as soon as possible.

Warning Signs Of Low Coolant Levels

It’s important to pay attention to potential signs that indicate low levels of coolant so that you can take action before serious damage is done to your car’s engine:

Unusual Smells Or Sounds From Engine

You may notice strange smells coming from under your hood or unusual sounds coming from your engine if there isn’t enough coolant circulating through it properly. These should not be ignored as they could signify impending damage due to overheating caused by low levels of fluid.

Higher Than Normal Temperature Or Pressure Gauges

Your dashboard should have gauges that indicate both temperature and pressure levels within the engine; if these readings are higher than normal then this could indicate a lack of adequate cooling which could be caused by insufficient amounts of fluid circulating through it properly

FAQ & Answers

Q: What could be the cause of my car running out of coolant and not starting?
A: One of the most common reasons why a car might run out of coolant and not start is because there is a leak in the system, evaporation in the reservoir tank, inadequate refilling after an oil change, or a faulty radiator cap.

Q: What should I do if my car runs out of coolant and won’t start?
A: If your car runs out of coolant and won’t start, you should first check the coolant level and refill the coolant tank if needed. You should also bleed the system to remove any air bubbles that may have formed. Finally, inspect for any further problems that might be causing your car to not start.

Q: What are some warning signs that my car has low coolant levels?
A: Some warning signs that your car may have low coolant levels include unusual smells or sounds from the engine, higher than normal temperature or pressure gauges, or if your vehicle overheats more frequently than usual.

Q: How do I know when to refill my car’s coolant tank?
A: Generally speaking, you should check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how often to refill your vehicle’s coolant tank. In addition, you can visually inspect the level of fluid in your radiator reservoir tank when you open its cap. If it appears low, then you should top it off with some fresh antifreeze/coolant mixture as soon as possible.

Q: Is it safe to drive without enough coolant in my engine?
A: It is not safe to drive without enough coolant in your engine as it can cause severe damage to it due to over-heating and corrosion. Therefore, it is important that you regularly check and maintain proper levels of antifreeze/coolant mixture in order to keep your engine running smoothly and safely.

In conclusion, if an automobile runs out of coolant, it can cause major damage to the engine and can result in the car not starting. Therefore, it is important for drivers to regularly check their coolant levels and make sure they are topped off when necessary. Additionally, if a car does not start due to a lack of coolant, it is best to take it in for repairs to a qualified professional in order to avoid further damage.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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