Can you just add coolant when low?
If your engine is cold, the coolant level should be up to the cold fill line. If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water.
How often should you add coolant to your car?
A typical mechanic will recommend changing coolant every 30,000 miles. But many will tell you, changing the coolant is not even on their radar. An owner’s manual might recommend changing the coolant/antifreeze after the first 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles.
What should I do if my coolant level is too low?
If you’re familiar and comfortable with cooling system care and maintenance, check that there is coolant in your reservoir, and that your engine shows no signs of overheating. If this is the case, you should be able to drive directly to a repair shop to have any necessary repairs done.
When to add coolant or antifreeze to an engine?
However, you should never add coolant/antifreeze when the engine is hot, and instead wait for it to cool. Why? Cooling systems are pressurised, and by removing the fill cap when the engine is hot you run the risk of a serious burn.
What happens when the coolant goes off in a car?
The most severe damage to a car engine is due to the head gasket blown up. Due to low Coolant, either the head gasket gets damaged, or due to worn-out head gasket, the coolant level drops at an alarming rate. The Coolant gets into the engine’s combustion chambers and burns off, which damages the car emission system and catalytic converter.
What happens if you don’t top up coolant reservoir?
If you have to top up the coolant reservoir each time it is checked, this could indicate a leak. Leaks can occur throughout the cooling system, and may cause serious problems, like overheating and engine damage, if left unattended.