Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Checking the radiator fluid level
• Part 2 of 2: Checking the coolant protection level
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Your car's radiator is the heart of the cooling system, which also consists of the fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, belts and sensors. Coolant is passed through the cylinder heads and valves to absorb the heat, then it returns to the radiator, where the heat is dissipated and dissipated. That is why it is important that the coolant in your system is at a good level, so you should check it regularly and top it up if necessary.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Checking the radiator fluid level

1. Park the car on a level surface. Do this after you have driven the car for a while. It is best to check the coolant level on an engine that is slightly warm, so not completely cold, but also not too hot. If you have ridden a long distance, you should let the engine cool down for a few hours.
   • Do not run the engine when checking the coolant, and never check the level when the engine is hot.
2. Open the hood.
3. Look for the radiator cap. The radiator cap is on top of the radiator. On new cars it is indicated on the cap; if this is not the case with your car, you can refer to the manual.
4. Wrap a cloth around the cap and twist the cap off. The radiator and cap absorb heat from the coolant; by using a cloth you make sure you don't burn your hands.
   • Press down on the cap with the index and middle fingers of one hand while twisting the cap off with your other hand. This way you prevent coolant from spurting out in the event that there is still pressure on the system.
5. Check the radiator fluid level. The coolant level should be near the top. If there is a mark on the metal of the radiator (eg with "Full" written on it), then that is the level at which the coolant should be.
6. Locate and remove the coolant expansion tank cap. Most modern cars also have an overflow reservoir or expansion tank, so that the coolant can expand when it gets hot. Usually there is not much liquid in this, if there is anything in it. If the level is low in the radiator and almost full in the expansion tank, with the engine cooled down, then you should immediately go to the garage.
7. Check the freezing and boiling point of your coolant. After long use, the coolant's ability to absorb and disperse heat deteriorates. With a hydrometer you can check the freezing and boiling point of your liquid. Follow the steps in the next method.
8. Add coolant, if necessary. Add the liquid to the overflow reservoir if your car has one; otherwise add it to the radiator (use a funnel to avoid spills). In most circumstances, you mix coolant with distilled water one to one. In more severe climates, you can use more coolant than distilled water, up to 70 percent and 30 percent, but no higher than that.
   • Never add liquid to a warm engine.

Part 2 of 2: Checking the coolant protection level

1. Squeeze the bulb of the hydrometer. This is how you push air out of the hydrometer.
2. Insert the hydrometer's rubber hose into the coolant.
3. Let go of the bubble. Coolant will now be drawn into the hydrometer, causing the needle or plastic balls to float in the hydrometer.
4. Remove the hydrometer from the coolant.
5. Read the freezing level or the cooking level on the hydrometer. If the hydrometer has a needle, the needle indicates a specific temperature or temperature range. If the hydrometer uses a series of plastic balls, the number of floating balls indicates how well the fluid protects the motor from freezing or boiling over. If the fluid is no longer good, either add coolant or replace all coolant.
   • Test the protection level in the spring and fall, and more often if you drive a lot in extreme conditions.

Tips

• The terms antifreeze and coolant are used interchangeably, but antifreeze refers to the product being mixed with water, and coolant refers to the mixture.
• Most antifreeze is green-yellow or green. Longer-lasting antifreeze is often orange or red. There are more additives in this type of antifreeze.
• In order for your car to function properly, the coolant must be replaced regularly. Check your manual to see how often this should be done with your type of car.

Warnings

• If you see coolant-colored liquid underneath your car, if you smell a sulfur-like odor, if you hear a whistling sound and the temperature gauge goes up and down while driving, go to the garage immediately.
• Antifreeze usually contains ethylene glycol, which is toxic to humans and animals. Old antifreeze must be disposed of properly. Ask your garage what to do with used antifreeze. Never pour it into your garden or down the sink.

Necessities

• Antifreeze / coolant
• Distilled water
• Hydrometer
• Lap
• Funnel (optional)