Coolant doesn't get used up during a car's normal operation. If the coolant level is consistently low, your car has a coolant leak. Your mechanic can pressure-check the cooling system to find any leaks or you can check the situation out yourself--here's how.
- Home
- Car Repair & Maintenance
- Cooling System Repair & Maintenance
- Add Coolant
- How to Check and Add Coolant
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Rag
- Funnel
- Coolant
-
-
1
Find the coolant reservoir. Follow the hose that comes from the top of the radiator cap--it will lead to the coolant reservoir. It is usually a clear plastic tank with full and low indicators on the outside (see illustration in Step 2).
-
2
Open the cap and add coolant to the coolant reservoir, using a funnel to avoid spilling. Coolant is a mixture of half antifreeze and half water. In a pinch it is OK to add only water or only antifreeze. (On some cars, it is difficult to see the full line on the coolant reservoir. Bounce the car up and down while looking to see how full the reservoir is.)
-
3
Put the cap back on the coolant reservoir.
-
4
Add coolant to the radiator as well if the reservoir was completely empty. Make sure the engine is completely cool before opening the radiator cap.
-
5
Some older cars don't have a coolant reservoir; in that case, add the coolant directly to the radiator.
-
1
Comments
-
what if the radiator is full I have had car for only 5 months and have never put anti freez in do I still need to put in and how do I get liquid out nto put in if nessasery?
-
thanks
-
Thanks
-
life expectancy is about 3 years for green and 5 years for red/orangeish color.
-
apac122387
Dec 13, 2009
Now my question is how so I add it to a 2000 Dodge Intrepid? I can not figure out how to fill up the coolant reservoir/Back-take; it looks like it goes straight in to the radiator. I do not have a radiator cap to pour coolant straight into because Dodge had to be difficult with the set-up of the engine. I also cant tell how much coolant i have b/c i believe my heater core has died on me b/c i go out to my car in the mornings and i find a big puddle of liquid on my drive side floor board.
Slideshows
More Photos
Barter for a Bargain: What Can You Get Without Cash?
More Photos
Paying Off Your Plastic
More Photos
10 Easy-to-Plan Staycation Adventures
eHow Essentials
15 Home Repairs for $15
