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How To

How to Mix and Add Coolant to Your Engine

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

Antifreeze or coolant raises the freezing temperature and lowers the boiling temperature in your car's engine. This is an important part of keeping your engine running well. If your car has overheated or your coolant light is on, it's time to add coolant to your car. Learn how to do so by following the five easy steps below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Locate your coolant reservoir or radiator cap. While your engine is cool, check your coolant levels. You may need to refer to your owner's manual in order to find out how much and where to add the coolant.

  2. Step 2

    Mix your coolant and distilled water as suggested on the label of the coolant for mix ratios. Some coolants require half water and half coolant and others need seven parts coolant and three parts water.

  3. Step 3

    Place the funnel in the reservoir or radiator. You can find disposable funnels at gas stations or you can buy them at an auto parts store.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the engine coolant into the reservoir stopping at the 'cool fill' line. Over filling your reservoir or radiator can cause a loss of coolant when your car overheats.

  5. Step 5

    Replace the radiator/reservoir cap. If you spilled any coolant, use sand or kitty litter to absorb it and then sweep it up.

Tips & Warnings
  • Never open the radiator/reservoir cap while the engine is running. This is a pressurized system and the contents could spray out and burn you.
  • The chemicals in coolant are fatal if ingested but taste sweet to pets.

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