How to Add Coolant to a Radiator
Engine coolant is stored inside the radiator and a small overflow container outside of the radiator. When the radiator is full of coolant and hot, this overflow will hold some of the coolant when the engine is running at normal temperatures. As the system loses coolant, the tank becomes dry. Add coolant to a radiator when this occurs. Operating an engine at the correct temperature protects it from excessive heat damage, which is easily managed by a properly filled coolant reservoir and overflow tank.
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Instructions
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Park a running vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Open the hood to expose the engine compartment. Locate the radiator and radiator fill cap. Check the overflow tank to see if it has coolant in it and how much; each overflow has a mark on its side to show what level the fluid should be at cold and warm engine temperatures.
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Place a gloved hand on top of the fill spout of the radiator. Push down on the radiator cap and turn it clockwise. The cap will rotate until its retaining tabs find a gap in the fill neck. The cap will be partially free from the radiator; loose enough to release pressure built up inside the radiator, which is important when removing a radiator fill cap. Release the pressure before taking the cap completely off.
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Remove the radiator fill cap. Mix water and engine coolant as required; most antifreeze coolants allow for a 50-50 mix of antifreeze to water. Mix the solution in a clean container, preferably the coolant bottle itself. If the engine is running, fill the overflow tank until it reaches the mark of a warm engine.
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Pour the 50-50 water and coolant solution directly into the fill tube of the radiator until the fluid comes above the finned tubing inside the top of the radiator. Top off the radiator with more coolant fluid until it begins to over flow into the overflow tank. Place the cap back on the radiator and onto the overflow tank. Test drive the vehicle for a short distance and recheck the fluid levels before finishing.
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Tips & Warnings
Start the engine if filling a radiator when the car is not running. Air pockets can form inside the coolant system which will be released once the engine is running. Make sure the cap is off to allow air to escape and to have the right amount of coolant inside the engine during use.
Antifreeze is a poison and has been known to attract family pets with its color, smell and taste. Never leave open containers of antifreeze around the work area to prevent poisoning animals or family members.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit radiator humor image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
