When water is added to antifreeze it’s referred to as coolant. Antifreeze is a glycol-based concentrated liquid that needs diluting before use. Is There a Difference Between Antifreeze and Coolant?Īntifreeze and Coolant perform the same function but are different types of liquids. Fill the reservoir and then start the vehicle. Just remember to fill the coolant as soon as possible.Ĭoolant levels below the minimum line mean don’t turn the engine on. It’s not recommended, but the engine shouldn’t be damaged. When the coolant level is low, but still above the minimum line, it’s possible to keep driving short distances for a few days. This way, I don’t have to file an insurance claim and admit I touched a hot engine part. I also don’t have to worry about burning my skin on hot engine components. Now, the coolant has settled, and I can get an accurate reading. Not only is it dangerous, but it is also ineffective. Never check coolant levels when the engine is running or hot. Proper Steps to Check Coolant LevelsĮven though it’s easy to check the engine’s coolant levels, I still followed a few common-sense steps my helpful mechanic drilled into my head. The needle lets me know the coolant level. Older model cars and trucks usually have gauges with needles. Most modern vehicles have a warning light for low coolant on the dashboard. Is There a Warning Light for Low Coolant? Some modern vehicles even come with dashboard lights that appear when it’s time to add more fluid to the reservoir tank. I love it when everything is color-coded. When it moves to yellow, it’s time to check the coolant levels. The temperature needle needs to stay in the green zone, which is easy to remember. The temperature gauge lets you know when the engine is running hot. Vehicle manufacturers know not all drivers routinely check their antifreeze levels which is why they installed handy warning gauges on the dashboard. Most vehicles will give a few warning signs when coolant levels are running low. The convenient maximum fill line makes it easy to see if my car’s fluid levels are low. I almost used the radiator, but then thought why make it harder? I don’t need to unscrew the radiator cap and insert a dipstick. It’s easy to check coolant levels with the reservoir. The coolant reservoir is next to the radiator. Do it if you don't feel comfortable and confident about performing the task yourself.Igloo Ice Maker Troubleshooting: A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing Common Malfunctions Also, make sure to take help from a professional mechanic while topping up the coolant. Consult the user manual provided by the vehicle manufacturer to check which is the best fit for your car. Different types of antifreeze don't mix well. Make sure you use the right antifreeze, which is recommended by the manufacturer. Don't remove the filler cap unless the engine is completely cooled down, as opening before that could result in a sudden release of pressurized hot water, which may result in spillage and burning of your skin as well. Turn off the ignition and let the engine and the entire powertrain system cool down. If the coolant level is low and creating trouble for the cooling system of your car's engine, it needs a top-up. Wet or white staining in the hoses could be a sign of possible problems to come. Examine any hose that you can see at the same time while checking for coolant. While checking the coolant level is performed manually by checking the level between the minimum and maximum gauges, another symptom of a low coolant level is cool air coming from the dashboard vents even when the dial is set to hot.Ĭheck the hoses for problems. A low engine coolant level can cause problems with the car's heater. The coolant in its reservoir should be between the minimum and maximum marks. To make things easy, you can check the OEM-provided vehicle handbook to find the location of the coolant filler cap.Īfter finding the expansion tank, check the level of the coolant. Adding the antifreeze to the screen wash, brake fluid, or power steering reservoir could cause serious damage to the vehicle. Make sure you find the right tank before putting the coolant in it.
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