The radiator is the backbone of your car's cooling system, along with the fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, belts and car sensors. The radiator channels coolant around the cylinder head and valves to absorb the heat, return it to the radiator, and remove it safely. Therefore, you need to keep the radiator fluid at an adequate level at all times. This means that you must regularly check the coolant level of the radiator and add it if needed.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Checking Radiator Fluid Level
Step 1. Park the car on a flat surface
Ideally, the radiator fluid should be checked after a short drive. It is recommended that you check the antifreeze or coolant level while the engine is cool or warm, not hot or cold. If you've been driving for a long time, wait a few hours for the engine to cool down a bit.
Do not check the radiator fluid while the engine is running, and never try to check the radiator fluid level when the engine is hot
Step 2. Raise the hood
Step 3. Locate the radiator cover
The radiator cover is a pressurized cover that sits above the radiator. The radiator covers on new cars have marking labels. If you can't find it, check the owner's manual.
Step 4. Wrap the cloth over the radiator cover, and open the radiator cover of your car
The radiator and overflow cover absorb engine heat from the coolant. Use a cloth to prevent burns on your hands.
Use your index and middle fingers to secure the radiator cover and use your other hand to remove the radiator cover. Thus, the coolant does not overflow from the radiator if there is still pressure in the system
Step 5. Check the radiator fluid level
The coolant level should be close to the radiator lip. If there is a “Full” mark on the metal radiator, try to get the radiator fluid to reach this level.
Step 6. Locate and open the radiator overflow tank cover
In addition to the radiator tank, most modern cars have an overflow tank to accommodate the coolant that expands due to overheating. The liquid in this tank should be low or empty. If the coolant level in your radiator is low and the overflow tank is almost full after a long drive, take the car to a repair shop immediately.
Step 7. Check the freezing and boiling points of your coolant
Over time, the radiator fluid's ability to absorb and dissipate heat will decrease. Test the boiling and freezing points of liquids with an antifreeze hydrometer. For more details, read this section
Step 8. Add coolant as needed
Add liquid to the overflow tank (if any). Otherwise, add it to the radiator. It's best to use a funnel to prevent the liquid from spilling out. For most driving conditions, antifreeze should be mixed with distilled water in an equivalent ratio (1:1). In more severe climates, you can mix 70 percent antifreeze and 30 percent distilled water, but not more.
Do not add liquid when the car engine is still warm
Part 2 of 2: Checking the Coolant Protection Level
Step 1. Squeeze the hydrometer bulb
Air will be pushed out of the hydrometer.
Step 2. Insert the hydrometer rubber tube into the coolant
Step 3. Remove the hydrometer bulb
Coolant will be drawn into the hydrometer so that the needle or plastic ball in it floats.
Step 4. Lift the hydrometer from the coolant
Step 5. Read the boiling and freezing points of the coolant in the hydrometer
If the hydrometer uses a needle, this needle should indicate a certain temperature or temperature range. If the hydrometer uses a series of plastic balls, the number of balls that float indicates how well the antifreeze will protect the engine from freezing or boiling. If the quality is not sufficient, add or replace your vehicle's coolant.
It's a good idea to test the coolant protection level in the spring and fall, and check more often when you're driving in extreme conditions
Tips
- Although the words “antifreeze” and “coolant” are often used synonymously, “antifreeze” refers to a product that is mixed with water and coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze.
- Most antifreeze fluids are chartreuse or green. However, the extended life antifreeze is orange or red. Extended life antifreeze liquid has anti-rust and other additives.
- You should change the coolant regularly to keep the car healthy. Read the car maintenance manual to find out how to change your car's coolant.
Warning
- If you see a puddle of liquid under your car that is the same color as the antifreeze liquid, smells of sulfur, or you hear a whistling sound, or the temperature meter of your car rises and doesn't move while you're driving, take the car to a repair shop immediately for service.
- Most antifreeze liquids contain ethylene glycol which is toxic to humans and animals. Ask your repair shop for a safe location to dispose of antifreeze. Do not throw it in your yard or storm drain.
