How Much Coolant Should Be Added?
2 Answers
The coolant reservoir has MAX and MIN level marks on the side. When the engine is cold, add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark. The amount added should be between the MAX and MIN marks. Steps for replacing coolant are as follows: 1. Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection first to check for cracks or signs of leakage in the pipes, with a focus on the five-way pipe. Coolant must flow through the five-way pipe before being distributed to different parts of the car to function. 2. Cleaning: Drain the old coolant and flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir, allowing it to continuously flow through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water coming out of the reservoir will be slightly pinkish. Continue adding clean water until the water coming out is clear. 3. Adding New Coolant: About an hour after draining, add new coolant through the radiator hose. Add another bottle of coolant to the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the car and let it run for about 10 minutes. As some air is expelled from the cooling system, the coolant level will drop slightly. Add more coolant to top it up.
I've been driving an old car for years, and adding coolant is something that comes with experience. Generally, you should park and wait for the engine to cool completely, then open the hood and check the expansion tank. There are MAX and MIN lines—just fill it to the middle, not exceeding the MAX line, or it might spill out due to thermal expansion and waste coolant. In summer, the temperature is high, and the fluid level tends to drop, so take a quick look before each drive. In winter, to prevent freezing and cracking, keep the level neither too low nor too high. Also, remember to use a 50/50 mix of water and dedicated antifreeze—avoid pure tap water to prevent rust. Never open the cap when the engine is hot—steam can scald you. Occasionally adding a little is fine, but too much can overflow the hood and cause pressure issues. I check regularly to ensure no leaks—it's safe and hassle-free.
