How to Check the Radiator Coolant
Maintaining fluid levels in your car is a habit car owners should develop. Failing to do so can lead to headaches, frustrations and vehicle damages that could have been avoided. Maintaining the proper amount of coolant is an important step in protecting your car's engine in the winter and summer. Coolant prevents your car's engine from freezing in frigid temperatures and protects it from overheating. Checking the coolant level takes only a few minutes.
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Instructions
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1
Open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir. The coolant reservoir is a white or transparent plastic tank. Follow the hose from the radiator to the coolant reservoir to locate the tank. Older cars, built in the 1970s or before, generally don't have coolant reservoirs.
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2
Inspect the coolant level in the reservoir and radiator. The reservoir has a low-level line and a full-level line that are visible without opening the reservoir. If the coolant level is below the low-level line, you need to add coolant immediately. If your car doesn't have a reservoir, it is necessary to remove the radiator cap to check the coolant. If the coolant isn't visible, the coolant level may be dangerously low, and coolant needs to be added immediately.
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3
Add a mixture of coolant and water to the coolant reservoir or the radiator if the coolant level is low. The mixture should be 50 percent coolant and 50 percent water. Remove the coolant reservoir cap and fill the reservoir to the full line. Use a funnel to prevent spills. If the reservoir was empty or nearly empty, add a little coolant to the radiator as well. If your car does not have a coolant reservoir, fill the radiator with coolant until the coolant level is visible.
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4
Replace the coolant reservoir cap and radiator cap. Tighten them to make sure they are secure.
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Inspect the coolant after driving the car. This is important if the coolant level was excessively low before adding coolant. If the coolant level drops quickly, it could indicate a leak in the system.
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