How to Check Radiator Fluid Level
Keeping your car's radiator full of fluid is an important part of keeping the engine running. The radiator is a part of the cooling system that directs fluid past the hottest parts of your engine and returns the hot fluid to the radiator. The radiator contains tubes that hold coolant, fins and a fan that cool the fluids before they return to the engine. Improper fluid levels in a radiator can cause a lot of damage to an engine, but it's not difficult to find out how much fluid is in your radiator and add coolant to prevent overheating.
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Instructions
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Open your car's hood. Look at the clear plastic overflow reservoir to see if it contains fluid. The overflow is connected to the radiator with a rubber tube, and fluid should reach the line that reads "Full Hot" the engine is warm and "Full Cold" when the engine has cooled. If there's not enough coolant, add a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water to the appropriate line on the reservoir tank.
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Wait 20 minutes after turning off the engine, then touch the hose leading to the radiator if the reservoir wasn't full. If the hose is cool, remove the radiator cap. If it's hot, wait until it has cooled so the pressurized contents of the radiator don't spray out and burn you.
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Check the radiator to see how much fluid is in it. The coolant should reach the top of the radiator. If the fluid level isn't high enough, add a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water to the radiator until the fluid reaches the top. Add more fluid to the overflow if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the coolant bottle carefully. Some antifreeze comes premixed, but many brands have to be mixed with water.
Make sure you are using the right kind of antifreeze for your car.
Never try to open the radiator cap when the car engine is hot.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit girl repairs car image by Rina from Fotolia.com
