
Insufficient coolant should be added in the engine coolant reservoir. Coolant can prevent scaling: High-quality coolant is made with distilled water and contains anti-scaling additives, which not only prevent scaling but also have descaling functions. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block during cold weather parking. Coolant can prevent corrosion: Coolant not only does not cause corrosion to the engine cooling system but also has anti-corrosion and rust-removal functions. Engine antifreeze generally contains substances that lower the freezing point of water as antifreeze agents, ensuring the cooling system does not freeze in low-temperature conditions.

If you find the coolant level is low, I often do this myself to save time and money. After parking in a safe place, make sure the engine has cooled down, otherwise the scalding liquid may spray out and cause injury. I open the hood, locate the transparent reservoir tank with the coolant symbol near the engine, unscrew the cap, and slowly pour in the correct brand of coolant—never mix the wrong types—until it reaches the MAX mark. Remember not to use tap water as a substitute, as it can cause rust or blockages in the engine’s pipes. I always keep a bottle in the garage and check regularly to prevent shortages that could lead to overheating and engine damage. In the past, I recklessly poured too fast and spilled it everywhere, but I learned my lesson—using a funnel makes the process much steadier. Beginners can watch online tutorials or ask a car-savvy friend for hands-on guidance.

A while ago, the coolant temperature warning light on my car came on, which scared me into immediately driving to a roadside repair shop or 4S dealership for assistance. The technician quickly diagnosed it as a coolant issue, topped it up for free, and warned me that engine overheating could lead to costly major repairs. As an average car owner, I feel most at ease seeking professional service—they also checked for other potential issues like pipe leaks while at it. During regular , I always ask the shop to inspect the cooling system to keep the car in good health. Coolant shortage is often overlooked, so I’ve made it a habit to pop the hood monthly and glance at the fluid level—it’s worry-free and safe.

Having driven for over a decade, I always top up the coolant myself whenever it's low. After parking and turning off the engine, wait half an hour for it to cool down. Then, purchase the appropriate type of coolant and pour it into the reservoir until it reaches the marked level. Be careful not to do this when the engine is hot to avoid burns. Use a clean funnel to prevent spills. Leaks in the cooling system are a common issue; I recommend checking for loose connections and regularly monitoring the fluid level to extend its lifespan. This method is quick and practical—no need to frequently visit the shop and waste money and time.

Considering that insufficient coolant may cause the engine to burn out and affect family trips, I make it a habit to visit an auto parts store to select the correct type of fluid and add it myself as soon as I notice the issue. The steps are simple: park the car and let it cool for more than five minutes, open the hood to locate the plastic reservoir, unscrew the cap, and fill it up while leaving some space to prevent overflow. I also educate my children on these basics and keep a spare bottle in the garage for emergencies. Such small tasks can prevent major accidents, and developing the habit of checking the coolant level every time I change the oil ensures driving safety.

As an ordinary person who frequently maintains my car, I've compared adding coolant myself versus going to a repair shop. DIY saves money - just buy a genuine bottle and it takes minutes to complete; but sometimes visiting a professional shop is more convenient as they perform comprehensive system checks to avoid oversight. The key is using the correct fluid type without mixing, and conducting monthly visual inspections to prevent shortages. If frequent top-ups are needed, a thorough inspection for potential leaks is necessary - this approach is cost-effective and extends vehicle lifespan.


