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How To Check And Add Coolant
By:
Published: October 20, 2006
There are several ways to prevent engine deterioration and corrosion, thereby saving hundreds – even thousands – of dollars in engine replacement.
Simply checking your coolant levels can save you from this financial burden. Consistently low coolant levels indicate leakage. If the engine goes too long without sufficient coolant, it may lead to rapid overheating. Additionally, it prevents engine freeze-up in the winter. In both cases, you need to spot these problems immediately to make sure your engine does not break down.
How to Check Coolant Levels
Before you do anything, make sure the engine and automotive systems are cool. Never – under any circumstances – check the fluid levels while the engine is still warm. The automotive cooling system is consistently under high pressure and temperatures can become extremely high. If the cap from the expansion tank is removed, hot liquid may spurt out, possibly resulting in an injury.
1. It is best to check your coolant level before you start the car. However, if you find you need to check the level after the engine has been running, turn it off and allow the engine to cool down for at least 15 to 20 minutes before proceeding any further.
2. When the engine has cooled off, check the coolant levels. First, check the coolant hose and the radiator for holes, which will indicate if your engine is leaking coolant. If there are holes, you should take the car to an auto repair facility to have those items replaced.
3. The cooling fluid reservoir is a clear plastic tank and should be clearly visible with the caps labeled accordingly. Remove the cap from the tank and look inside. There are two levels on the side – full and low. Optimum coolant levels will fall somewhere between the full and low lines. If the liquid falls below the “low” line, there is an insufficient amount of coolant, and you will need to replace it accordingly.
Tools
1. Coolant – refer to the manual to determine the best type and concentration of coolant for your vehicle
2. Rags
3. Funnel
How to Add Coolant
1. If you have not already done so, locate the coolant reservoir and remove the cap.
2. If the coolant reservoir is empty, you can add the coolant directly into the radiator. Otherwise fill the reservoir with enough coolant until it is between the minimum and maximum coolant levels.
3. When you have successfully replaced a sufficient amount of coolant, replace the reservoir cap and close the hood of the car.
Sources:
Car Maintenance Guide: Fluids. AAA Auto Club South. 19 October 2006. http://www.aaasouth.com/auto_maintenance_text.asp? section-fluids/
Check Coolant Levels. The GoodYear Tire and Rubber Company. 19 October 2006. http://geminicaracre.com/howto/checkcoolant.html/< br />How to Check and Add Coolant. eHow.com. 19 October 2006. http://www.ehow.com/how_112817_check-add-coolant.h tml/
Simply checking your coolant levels can save you from this financial burden. Consistently low coolant levels indicate leakage. If the engine goes too long without sufficient coolant, it may lead to rapid overheating. Additionally, it prevents engine freeze-up in the winter. In both cases, you need to spot these problems immediately to make sure your engine does not break down.
How to Check Coolant Levels
Before you do anything, make sure the engine and automotive systems are cool. Never – under any circumstances – check the fluid levels while the engine is still warm. The automotive cooling system is consistently under high pressure and temperatures can become extremely high. If the cap from the expansion tank is removed, hot liquid may spurt out, possibly resulting in an injury.
1. It is best to check your coolant level before you start the car. However, if you find you need to check the level after the engine has been running, turn it off and allow the engine to cool down for at least 15 to 20 minutes before proceeding any further.
2. When the engine has cooled off, check the coolant levels. First, check the coolant hose and the radiator for holes, which will indicate if your engine is leaking coolant. If there are holes, you should take the car to an auto repair facility to have those items replaced.
3. The cooling fluid reservoir is a clear plastic tank and should be clearly visible with the caps labeled accordingly. Remove the cap from the tank and look inside. There are two levels on the side – full and low. Optimum coolant levels will fall somewhere between the full and low lines. If the liquid falls below the “low” line, there is an insufficient amount of coolant, and you will need to replace it accordingly.
Tools
1. Coolant – refer to the manual to determine the best type and concentration of coolant for your vehicle
2. Rags
3. Funnel
How to Add Coolant
1. If you have not already done so, locate the coolant reservoir and remove the cap.
2. If the coolant reservoir is empty, you can add the coolant directly into the radiator. Otherwise fill the reservoir with enough coolant until it is between the minimum and maximum coolant levels.
3. When you have successfully replaced a sufficient amount of coolant, replace the reservoir cap and close the hood of the car.
Sources:
Car Maintenance Guide: Fluids. AAA Auto Club South. 19 October 2006. http://www.aaasouth.com/auto_maintenance_text.asp? section-fluids/
Check Coolant Levels. The GoodYear Tire and Rubber Company. 19 October 2006. http://geminicaracre.com/howto/checkcoolant.html/< br />How to Check and Add Coolant. eHow.com. 19 October 2006. http://www.ehow.com/how_112817_check-add-coolant.h tml/
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