How To Check Your Coolant Level

What is coolant? Coolant is a crucial fluid in keeping your car going as you drive through Edgewater. It prevents your car’s internal components from getting too cold when the temperature drops, and it also prevents overheating on those hot summer days. We’re going to give you everything we know on how to check your coolant level quickly and easily.

What Is Coolant?

If you’re asking the question “what is coolant?” you’ll find that the answer will differ depending on who you talk to. In general, “coolant” refers to a fluid that keeps the temperature of your vehicle in check, but you’ll often hear “coolant” and “antifreeze” used interchangeably at service centers near Crofton. Antifreeze is what coolant is made of, but “coolant” as it exists in your car is the typical mechanic recommendation of an even 1:1 split of antifreeze and water.

A Quick Way To Check Your Coolant

If you want to figure out what your coolant level is, you don’t have to go through a very lengthy process. It’s actually pretty simple and we’re about to lay it out for you. Start by turning off your engine and giving it plenty of time to cool. Then just pop your hood and follow these instructions:

1. Your coolant reservoir should be in view, with the “full” line on the side also in easy view.
2. If you are having difficulties locating the coolant reservoir, you’ll find that most coolant is green while in certain cases, it’ll be orange. If you’ve got a choice between orange and green, pick green because orange might look too similar to rust, which indicates a problem with your radiator.
3. If it’s time to add more coolant, stop by our service center and get it checked by our auto maintenance experts. We’ll tell you if the coolant has been premixed with water or if you need to add the water yourself.
4. Make sure the engine is cold when you touch the radiator cap. Remove the cap and use a funnel to put in more coolant. While you’re there, you should check the connecting hoses for leaks.

How Often Do I Check?

Your coolant level will slowly evaporate with the passage of time, but if you spring a leak in one of the hoses, that’s a sign of trouble and will require you schedule service with us or another Severna Park mechanic. Be sure to check your coolant every 3 to 6 months, and while you’re at it, you should check your oil and your transmission fluid.

Jaguar Annapolis Has You Covered

Interested in learning more about DIY car care? We’ve got you covered. Although our Annapolis service professionals are always happy to help you in-store, we want you to feel confident tackling many important tasks at home! We love passing along useful service tips and tricks to our neighbors and our customers.