How to Check if the Car Coolant is Low?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to check if the car coolant is low: 1. Always check the coolant when the engine is cold. The radiator should be completely filled with coolant, while the expansion tank should be filled to about 70% of its capacity. 2. Check the MIN and MAX marks on the car radiator. The coolant level should be between the MAX and MIN marks, indicating it is at the normal level—neither too much nor too little. 3. If the level is below MIN, it means the coolant is insufficient and needs to be topped up promptly. It is best to add dedicated coolant. In emergency situations, distilled water can be added, but it must be completely replaced before winter if mixed with distilled water.
I remember when I first bought my car, I wasn't familiar with checking the coolant. Later, I learned a trick from a mechanic friend. After the engine cools down, open the hood and look for the transparent plastic coolant reservoir, usually marked with MIN and MAX lines; if the level is below MIN, it means it's low. You can use your phone's flashlight to clearly see the position, as the tank is often located on the side of the engine bay. When topping up, use dedicated coolant—don't just add water to make do, as it can corrode the pipes or lower the boiling point. While checking, also look for any green or pink stains on the ground, which could indicate a leak. It's essential to check it regularly every month, as low coolant levels can easily cause engine overheating and cylinder scoring, which is expensive and troublesome to repair. If the coolant level keeps dropping quickly, it's advisable to have the shop check the water pump or radiator seal to prevent future issues.
