![]() The owner's manual also specifies the proper coolant for your vehicle to protect against freezing and corrosion. If you can't find it, consult your owner's manual as it should explain where it is located. As the reservoir cap is labeled as coolant, it's easy to find it. Once you open your hood, locate the coolant reservoir. So always make sure your cooling system is cold before you start inspecting your coolant level. If you do it while it's hot, hot coolant can shoot out of it, and that can lead to a bad burn. If the automobile is hot, that means it's under high pressure, and opening the reservoir cap can be extremely dangerous. If your car has been running in a while, your engine, radiator, and reservoir become very hot and, you do not want to touch the reservoir cap or radiator hoses before they're completely cooled down. When checking your coolant level, the first thing you need to know is you shouldn't check it if the engine is still hot. ![]() Refit the cap and tighten it securely.Before you go to check your coolant level Use only the specified antifreeze – make sure it is the same type and colour as that already in the system. Slowly unscrew the expansion tank cap, to release any pressure present in the cooling system, and remove it.Īdd a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze to the expansion tank until the coolant level is halfway between the level marks. If topping-up is necessary, wait until the engine is cold. When the engine is hot, the level may rise slightly above the MAX mark. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be between the MAX and MIN marks on the front of the reservoir. The coolant level varies with the temperature of the engine, and is visible through the expansion tank. Don’t top-up with water alone because the antifreeze will become diluted. It is important that antifreeze is used in the cooling system all year round, not just during the winter months. Check the radiator, all hoses and joint faces for signs of staining or wetness, and rectify as necessary. If frequent topping-up is required, it is likely there is a leak. With a sealed-type cooling system, adding coolant should not be necessary on a regular basis. Do not leave open containers of coolant about, as it is poisonous. WARNING: DO NOT attempt to remove the expansion tank pressure cap when the engine is hot, as there is a risk of scalding. Bear in mind, however, that the brake fluid level drops as the brake pads wear, so don't be alarmed if it's not up the max-fill line. However, a drop in level from month to month could indicate a leak in the system, and it’s important to fix this as soon as possible, rather than to keep topping up the fluid. ![]() Regular checking of the coolant level will alert you to a leak early, so any problem can be sorted before it leaves you stranded by the side of the road in a cloud of steam.īrake, clutch and power steering fluid are still important fluids but don’t need to be checked as often. A low engine oil level will cause the engine to wear more quickly, and if it drops to a dangerous level the engine could seize. A low coolant level could result in the engine overheating, which could cause severe engine damage too. Among the most important are the engine oil and coolant, which is why these should be checked weekly. Most of the fluids in your engine bay are critical for the car’s operation. With engine oil and coolant, it's important that you consult your handbook, or Haynes manual to find out the correct intervals for your car. Although some manufacturers state shorter, or longer intervals between changes.Ĭoolant generally has a much longer service life, with some manufacturers recommending a 15-year, or 150k-mile change. Although a five-year or 50k-mile interval is a more common recommendation. It's generally recommended that you change your oil at least annually, or every 10k miles, whichever comes first. With the advent of modern oils and additives, engine oil and coolant lasts longer than it ever has – but that doesn't mean you should ignore the service intervals. ![]() Discover which Haynes Manual is best for you.NEW Fault Finder - Diagnose the problem. ![]()
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