How to Check Coolant Levels

A car’s engine is likely to overheat if the coolant level is low, and allowing an engine to overheat can cause catastrophic damage. That’s why it’s so important to know how to check the coolant level in your car, so that you don’t find yourself stranded along our Turnersville roads. Our service department is here to help, so we’ve put together the handy guide below on what to do if the coolant level sensor indicates there’s an issue. What is coolant, and how do you check it? Keep reading to find out.

What is Coolant?

So, what is coolant and what does it do? Coolant is an ethylene glycol-based chemical that when mixed with water will even out the internal temperature during extreme external temperatures. You may also know it as “antifreeze”. Here are some things it does:

• Prevents corrosion of various components as it is pumped through the engine 
• Evens out the internal temperature during extreme external temperatures

How to Check Coolant Level

You should not wait for the coolant level sensor to tell you that your car’s coolant level is low. Checking your coolant level regularly can help prevent you from getting broken down somewhere is Sicklerville. You’ll want to follow the steps below to check the coolant in a safe way:

How to Check the Coolant Level in Your Car

1. Locate the plastic reservoir. The reservoir will be a partially clear plastic container that is connected by a hose to the radiator. There should be markings along the side.
2. Check where the fluid level is compared to the markings on the reservoir. If the fluid level reaches the “full” mark, the coolant level is fine.
3. Refill the coolant if necessary. If the fluid falls short of the “full” line, top off the coolant.

How to Refill Coolant

It’s important to top off the coolant whenever the coolant level is low. This is especially true if the coolant level sensor causes an alert on the dash. These are the steps we recommend to our Williamstown customers so that they can do this safely:

1. Make sure there is no more steam coming from the radiator and that the radiator cap does not feel warm. 
2. Turn the ignition to “on”, but do not turn on the engine.
3. Check the oil pressure gauge to make sure the car has cooled.
4. Mix the coolant with water if necessary. Check the label to see if your coolant is pre-mixed. If not, mix it with water to a 50/50 ratio. Never fill your radiator with pure coolant.
5. Turn on the engine. This seems counter-intuitive, but you want the coolant circulating as you fill the radiator. It will only circulate while the engine is running.
6. Fill the radiator with mixed coolant. Fill the radiator up to where the cap goes. Replace the cap.

Bring Your Car to the Cadillac Of Turnersville Service Center

The experts in our service center can easily tell if your coolant is low, ascertain the cause, fix it, and have you back on your way in no time. So schedule an appointment with us. And, if you found this guide to be helpful, check out our guide on how to check transmission fluid. We’re just down the road from Mullica Hill, and we’re here to help. Stop in or contact us today!