How to Check Coolant Level?
2 Answers
Turn off the vehicle and wait for the coolant to cool down, then open the engine hood to inspect. Below are the relevant steps for checking: 1. Remove the radiator cap: Confirm whether the engine coolant level is near the top of the radiator filler neck. If the engine coolant level is too low, add engine coolant. If the engine and radiator are still hot, do not remove the radiator cap, as high-pressure steam may be released, causing burns. 2. Inspect the engine coolant passage: Check around the radiator cap and radiator filler neck. If there is significant rust or scale deposits, remove the engine cover to clean the coolant passage and replace the coolant. 3. Check if the coolant level in the reservoir is between MAX (upper limit) and MIN (lower limit): If the engine coolant level is too low, check for leaks and add coolant to a level between the upper and lower limits. Do not use pure water as a substitute for engine coolant.
Checking the coolant level is actually a basic skill in my daily car maintenance routine. As a car owner with several years of driving experience, I'm accustomed to doing this after the engine has cooled down—usually waiting at least 30 minutes after parking before opening the cap. Locate the transparent reservoir in the engine bay marked with min and max lines; the ideal fluid level should be in between. If it's low, it indicates insufficient coolant. In this case, you must add dedicated coolant—never casually pour in water or mix different brands, as chemical reactions could damage the system. I typically check every two weeks, especially before summer heatwaves, to prevent overheating issues since low levels may cause engine temperature spikes, performance drops, or even component failure—repairs aren't cheap. Safety first: never open the cap when the engine is hot, as scalding steam can cause injuries. This is what we call prevention is better than cure.
