How to Check Coolant Levels
Engine blocks can stand high temperatures, but the engine works at its best when it is kept in its optimum temperature. Engine coolant helps keep your engine temperature optimized, which means less damage and energy lost from heat. Here are the steps you need to check coolant levels.
Engine Coolant
Older engines cooled by radiator systems can be cooled with water, but it’s best to use engine coolant for most engines. Engine coolant is also known as antifreeze, although some engine coolants are diluted or mixed with water. Coolant may be made of alcohol or glycol compounds that are effective at transferring and dissipating heat.
When coolant works as an antifreeze agent, it protects the structure of the engine block from very cold weather temperatures that may cause the metal to break, fracture, or develop fissures and cracks. Coolant also helps cool the engine during hot weather by absorbing and dissipating heat.
Tools
To check and replace engine coolant, you need the following tools:
Engine coolant
Water
Container
Funnel
Gloves
Steps
Follow these steps to replace engine coolant:
Park the car on a level surface, and let the engine cool completely.
Pop the hood and locate the coolant reservoir. It is usually a translucent plastic tank located on the side of the engine bay.
The tank has labels embossed on the body indicating the levels “Full,” “Warm,” and “Cold.” Use these markings to determine how much coolant you’ll need to add to the vehicle.
The formulation for most engine coolants is one part coolant for every part of water. Mix the coolant and water together until you have the right amount and mixture of coolant to add to your car.
Pour some of the coolant into the reservoir and wait to see if the coolant holds and stays inside the reservoir. If it drains immediately, you need to have the cooling system repaired. Otherwise, you can pour coolant until you reach the “Full” mark.
Close the coolant reservoir and the hood, and run the car through its paces.
Replacing coolant and checking coolant levels should be part of routine auto maintenance. With these steps, you can keep your vehicle at an optimum temperature.