Maintaining your car’s coolant system is important for keeping your engine working properly and avoiding overheating. Here’s a detailed guide on how to check and refill your car’s coolant.
Why coolant is important
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, regulates your engine’s temperature and prevents it from overheating. It also protects the engine from corrosion and helps maintain optimal performance. Regularly checking and refilling your coolant makes sure your car works to its full potential.
Even though Australia doesn’t experience extremely cold temperatures like some other countries, cooling fluid still provides year-round protection. It makes sure that your engine operates within the correct temperature range, whether it’s the peak of summer or a cooler winter day. Proper cooling fluid levels prevent the engine from freezing in cold conditions and overheating in hot conditions.
When to check your coolant?
Checking your car’s coolant is an important part of regular maintenance. Come in for a regular car repair for this service. Cooling fluid helps keep your engine at the right temperature and prevents overheating. Here’s when and how to check your coolant.
Regular intervals
You should check your coolant level at least once a month. This helps you spot any problems early before they become serious. Make it a habit to check your cooling fluid when you check your oil or fill up with petrol. Regular checks can save you from bigger issues down the road.
Before long trips
Always check your coolant before going on a long trip. Long drives put more stress on your engine, so having the right amount of cooling fluid is major. Checking it beforehand can prevent breakdowns.
When your car overheats
If you notice your car’s temperature gauge rising above normal, pull over safely and let the engine cool down. Once it’s cool, check the coolant level. Low cooling fluid can cause overheating, so it’s important to keep it at the right level.
In hot weather
During hot Australian summers, check your cooling fluid more often. High temperatures can cause your engine to overheat more easily, and having the right amount of cooling fluid helps prevent this.
How to refill your car’s coolant?
Before you begin, make sure your car is parked on a level surface and the engine is cool. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, as the cooling fluid is under pressure and can cause serious burns.
Tools you need
Cooling fluid (make sure to use the type recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer);
Clean funnel;
Rag or cloth;
Gloves (optional for extra protection).
Locate the coolant reservoir
Open the bonnet and locate the coolant reservoir. It’s usually a translucent plastic tank with markings indicating the minimum and maximum levels.
Look at the side of the reservoir to see where the cooling fluid level falls between the minimum and maximum marks. If the cooling fluid is below the minimum mark, it’s time to refill.
If your car has been running hot or you notice leaks, it might be a good idea to also check the cooling fluid level directly in the radiator. Remove the radiator cap (when the engine is cool) and look inside. The cooling fluid should be near the top.
If you’re using concentrated cooling fluid, mix it with distilled water according to the instructions on the bottle. Some cooling fluids come pre-mixed and are ready to use.
Using a clean funnel, slowly pour the cooling fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the maximum fill line. Be careful not to overfill.
If you checked the radiator and found it low, add cooling fluid directly to the radiator. Again, use a clean funnel and pour slowly to avoid spills.
Once you’ve added coolant, replace the caps on the reservoir and radiator. Make sure they are secured tightly.
Start your car and let it run for a few minutes. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and check for any leaks around the radiator and reservoir.
After the engine has run for a few minutes and then cooled down again, recheck the cooling fluid levels. You may need to add a bit more if air bubbles have been worked out of the system.
Your coolant system regular checks
Make a habit of checking your cooling fluid level every few months. Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for flushing and replacing the cooling fluid. This usually needs to be done every 2-3 years or as recommended. Come in for a quick coolant service!
If you notice your coolant level dropping frequently, check for leaks and have them repaired right away.
Regularly checking and refilling your car’s cooling fluid is a simple yet important part of vehicle maintenance. Come visit us in Molendinar or book our mobile mechanic service.