How to Check Coolant Levels

Without engine coolant, internal combustion engines run the risk of overheating. In addition, regular water won’t work to keep the engine cool enough because the temperature gets above the boiling point of water. As a result, coolant levels naturally decrease throughout your vehicle’s life.

As such, you’ll need to check coolant levels every once in a while to make sure the engine doesn’t overheat. Find out more information about how to check coolant levels from the team at Drive Burtness. Checking coolant levels can help make your car last as long as possible with this simple regular maintenance.

What Is Coolant?

Engine coolant is a specialized fluid that regulates the temperature of the engine block and parts by transferring heat. Every new or used vehicle requires engine coolant for them to run correctly. Engine coolant contains an additive, typically ethylene glycol, that keeps the fluid from freezing when the temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Coolant also doesn’t boil when it reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The idea is to keep your engine cool enough so that vital parts don’t break down.

What to Look for When Checking Coolant Levels

You don’t have to open the radiator cap as you learn how to check the coolant level. The radiator itself might be too hot. Instead, check the markings on the side of the coolant reservoir. This is typically close to the passenger’s side seat. Only it’s in the engine compartment. 

You’re good to go if the liquid reaches the “full” marking line. If it doesn’t get to that level, remove the reservoir’s cap, and add the coolant or a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. Next, read the bottle of your chosen engine coolant to see if it’s premixed. Finally, look at the hoses connected to the radiator for any leaks or damage. Next, fill the reservoir to where the liquid reaches the “full” line. Recheck it in a week to ensure the coolant level remains the same.

Important note: Always add more coolant when the engine is completely cool. Also, don’t attempt to open the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is still hot. If your car overheats and you open the cap, you risk the engine coolant bursting out of the reservoir and scalding you. 

When to Get Service With Your Engine Coolant

Coolant is thinner than motor oil and thicker than water. Suppose you notice a sludgy appearance when you check the coolant level. Schedule service with our team ASAP. There’s a decent chance your car has an internal gasket leak. Driving your vehicle is possible with a leaking gasket, but a leaking gasket will drain the coolant quickly. This means the engine is at risk of overheating and severely damaging if you keep driving with a leaking gasket. You might need a tow truck with a leaking gasket to bring your vehicle in for service.

When to Change the Engine Coolant

Coolant levels deplete over time naturally as you drive your car in and around Whitewater. It’s a good idea to check the coolant levels every three to six months. If you notice a sudden temperature spike on your engine’s thermometer or your engine gives you an overheat warning, check the coolant level as soon as possible. 

Coolant typically comes in blue, green, yellow, or red hues. You must flush the system and replace the fluid if it’s brownish or colorless. The service team at Drive Burtness is more than happy to take care of a radiator flush and fill and any radiator repairs whenever you need this type of car maintenance near Orfordville. Even if you don’t need to add coolant to your vehicle, every 50,000 or so miles, you’ll need to have a radiator flush and fill to keep your radiator in top condition because, over time, the engine coolant may cause little bits of metal to come off of your radiator’s walls.

Get More Service Tips in Orfordville! 

If you have more questions on how to check your coolant level or about your car maintenance and repairs, feel free to contact us or call . We’re located near Janesville, and we’re happy to help however we can! Also, check out our current service specials to see if you can save money on your next vehicle repair.