Where is the coolant added?
4 Answers
Coolant is added to the small reservoir located under the engine hood in front of the engine coolant. The full name of coolant is antifreeze coolant, which has antifreeze properties. It prevents the coolant from freezing during cold seasons when the vehicle is parked, thereby avoiding the expansion and cracking of the radiator and freezing damage to the engine cylinder block. The functions of coolant are: 1. Prevent the coolant from freezing during cold seasons when the vehicle is parked, avoiding expansion and cracking of the radiator and freezing damage to the engine cylinder block; 2. Prevent corrosion of metal parts and aging of rubber components; 3. Reduce the formation of scale to prevent clogging of circulation pipes and affect the heat dissipation function of the cooling system; 4. Prevent the engine water temperature from becoming too high, ensuring the engine operates at the correct working temperature; 5. Provide lubrication for the water pump thermostat and other components.
I recently topped up the coolant myself. The container is called an expansion tank, usually a translucent plastic reservoir in the engine bay with MIN and MAX markings. Never open the cap when the engine is hot - last time I nearly got scalded by steam. Wait until the engine cools completely. Always use the same color coolant as original - never mix green with blue as different formulations can coagulate and clog the system. When refilling, stop just below the MAX line to allow for thermal expansion. Coolant isn't just for winter antifreeze protection; it also prevents summer overheating. Running low can cause cylinder damage. I recommend checking levels monthly and replacing it every two years for optimal maintenance.
Having driven for over 20 years, I recommend everyone to first identify the correct location when adding coolant - it's the white or translucent reservoir in the engine compartment. The key is to choose genuine products, with ethylene glycol type being the most effective. Never try to save money by diluting it with water, as scale buildup will corrode the radiator. Remember to only add coolant when the engine is cold. If you hear a hissing sound when opening the cap, it means residual pressure hasn't fully released. The ideal fluid level should be at the midpoint between the markers - too low affects cooling efficiency, while too high creates excessive pressure that can damage pipes. Even friends in southern regions need to add coolant, as it prevents boiling in summer. An overheated engine can leave you stranded on the roadside.
The coolant is added in the expansion tank located in the engine compartment, near the bottom of the windshield. Open the hood and look for a plastic container with a coolant symbol on its body, usually marked with a triangular warning sign on the cap. There are two key points to remember: add coolant when the engine is cold, and use the correct OEM coolant with the same color code. Pour it slowly and do not exceed the MAX line. Coolant is like the blood of the engine, preventing freezing and cooling it down. If it's low, the temperature gauge will alert you. Remember, red, blue, and green coolants cannot be mixed—I've seen cases where mixing them ruined the entire cooling system.
