How To Check the Coolant Level

Coolant Car Check
 

Does the dashboard gauge in your car indicate that your car is running a little hot? It’s time to check the coolant level (though you’ll want to wait until your car has cooled down). What is coolant, and how do you check it? These are important things to know. After all, you don’t want to find yourself stranded along our Derby roads because your engine has overheated. Our service departments is here to help, so we’ve put together the handy guide below on how to check the coolant level in your car.

 

 

What is Coolant, Exactly?

As we said, it’s important to make sure your radiator has the right amount of coolant, so as to prevent your car from overheating. But what is coolant, exactly? It is a chemical mixture, otherwise known as antifreeze, which is circulated around the engine to help regulate the engine’s temperature. Here are some things it does:

  • Prevents corrosion of various components as it is pumped through the engine
  • Evens out the internal temperature during extreme external temperatures that often happen during El Dorado summers and winters.

How to Check the Coolant Level

It’s a good idea to check the coolant level in your car on a regular basis. A lot of drivers do it once a month. It’s easy to do while you’re filling your gas tank. You’ll want to follow the steps below to check the coolant in a safe way:

How to Check the Coolant Level in Your Car

  1. Locate the plastic reservoir. The reservoir will be a partially clear plastic container that is connected by a hose to the radiator. There should be markings along the side.
  2. Check where the fluid level is compared to the markings on the reservoir. If the fluid level reaches the “full” mark, the coolant level is fine.
  3. Refill the coolant if necessary. If the fluid falls short of the “full” line, top off the coolant.

How to Refill Coolant

What if the coolant level is low? You’ll want to refill it, which is a simple process, as well. Just follow the steps below before you get back on our Newton roads:

  1. Make sure there is no more steam coming from the radiator and that the radiator cap does not feel warm.
  2. Turn the ignition to “on”, but do not turn on the engine.
  3. Check the oil pressure gauge to make sure the car has cooled.
  4. Mix the coolant with water if necessary. Check the label to see if your coolant is pre-mixed. If not, mix it with water to a 50/50 ratio. Never fill your radiator with pure coolant.
  5. Turn on the engine. This seems counter-intuitive, but you want the coolant circulating as you fill the radiator. It will only circulate while the engine is running.
  6. Fill the radiator with mixed coolant. Fill the radiator up to where the cap goes. Replace the cap.

Let the Service Centers at Don Hattan Dealerships Assist You

If your coolant runs low repeatedly, you may have a leaking hose or radiator. Schedule an appointment with one of our service centers right away if you notice a problem. And, if you found this guide to be helpful, check out our guides on how to check the oil and how to change a battery. We have multiple locations for you to visit at your convenience. Stop in or contact us today!

 

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