How to Check the Coolant Level?

[LeLaura]

When the engine is cold, the fluid level should be between the upper and lower limits for normal operation. The functions of coolant include the following four points: 1. Winter antifreeze: Prevents the coolant from freezing and causing the radiator and engine block to crack. The freezing point of the coolant should be approximately 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in the region to prepare for sudden weather changes. 2. Anti-corrosion: The cooling system contains components such as the radiator, water pump, engine block and cylinder head, and water distribution pipes. Due to the different electrode potentials of various metals, electrochemical corrosion can easily occur under the influence of electrolytes. Additionally, acidic byproducts formed from the decomposition of glycol-based substances in the coolant and acidic exhaust gases from fuel combustion may infiltrate the cooling system, accelerating corrosion. 3. Anti-scaling: The coolant reduces scale formation during circulation to prevent clogging of the pipes and impairing the cooling system's heat dissipation function. Care should be taken when selecting and adding coolant. 4. Anti-boiling: Coolant that meets national standards has a boiling point exceeding 105°C, compared to water's boiling point of 100°C. This allows the coolant to withstand higher temperatures without boiling, meeting the cooling needs of high-load engines to a certain extent.

[LeWalter]

Checking the coolant level is actually quite simple. First, ensure the car is completely cooled down—ideally overnight or after sitting for several hours. Never attempt this when the engine is hot to avoid steam burns. Then, open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir, usually a semi-transparent white bottle with clear minimum (min) and maximum (max) level markings. Crouch down to view the side of the bottle at eye level, making sure the car is parked on level ground for an accurate reading. Check if the actual fluid level is between the min and max lines. If the level is near or below min, you’ll need to add the same type of coolant—confirm the color matches (e.g., red or green) to avoid mixing errors. Pour it up to the bottle’s neck without overflowing. I also recommend making it a habit to check weekly—it prevents overheating issues and takes little time.

[MichaelMarie]

Checking coolant levels requires attention to safety details. After parking and turning off the engine, wait several hours for complete cooling before opening the cap to ensure safety, as high pressure when hot may cause boiling water to spray out. Locate the reservoir in the engine compartment, often marked with high/low temperature symbols and level indicators—'min' indicates the minimum allowable level, 'max' the upper limit, with the ideal level visually centered between them. If the level is too low, avoid hastily adding pure water, as incorrect mixtures can corrode pipes; instead, refer to the vehicle manual to select the appropriate specialized coolant. A quick glance is often sufficient to assess the situation, and making a habit of morning checks can help protect the engine's lifespan.

[VonLilliana]

I often check the coolant level myself, and parking on a level surface when the engine is cold is a crucial step. Locate the reservoir; most cars have marked lines on the bottle, with the 'min' line being the warning level. If the water level is close to it, promptly top it up with the same type of coolant to avoid overheating. If the reservoir is transparent and easy to identify, it can be done in just a minute. Remember to operate when the engine is cold—safety first, and never take risks with a hot engine. Regularly checking the coolant level can save you a lot on repair costs.