What is the appropriate level to fill the coolant to?
2 Answers
The coolant should be filled to the middle position between the upper (MAX) and lower (MIN) marks on the reservoir. The method for replacing the coolant is as follows: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with a particular focus on the five-way hose. The coolant flows through the five-way hose and is then distributed to different parts of the car to function. If there is any leakage of coolant in this part, the hose should be replaced or the connection re-secured as necessary. Drain the old coolant and then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir and continue to fill the reservoir with water until clean water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. The water initially flowing out of the reservoir may have a faint pink color. Continue adding clean water until the water flowing out is clear. Note: Do not forget to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. Approximately 1 hour after draining, add the new coolant through the radiator hose. Then, add another container of coolant to the coolant reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. During this time, the coolant level will drop slightly as air is expelled from the cooling system. Add more coolant until the level reaches the "MAX" mark on the reservoir.
I've been driving for twenty years, and adding coolant to the middle mark of the expansion tank is just right. There's a small reservoir on the radiator marked with MIN and MAX indicators—keeping the fluid level between them is safest. Checking when the engine is cold is the most accurate; never open the cap when the engine is hot, or it could spray out and cause burns. Adding too little can lead to insufficient cooling, causing the engine to overheat and potentially fail; adding too much means the fluid may expand when the car heats up, overflow, dirty the engine bay, and waste money. Don’t slack on routine maintenance—I usually check once a month, taking the chance to inspect the radiator for leaks or cracks. Coolant degrades over time, so it should be fully replaced every two years, not just topped up.
