How urgent is check coolant level?
Before you check anything, it’s vitally important that you let the engine cool down for at least thirty minutes first. If you try and open the coolant reservoir or the radiator cap whilst the engine is still hot, you run the risk of allowing hot, pressurised steam to blow out and burn you.
When should the radiator coolant level been checked?
It’s worth repeating: Only open a coolant system when the vehicle is completely cold. Hot coolant is under pressure and could spray out and burn you. If your coolant is low, there could be a negative cause. Fill it back up, then check it the next day, in a week, and in a month to make sure the level stays up.
When does the check coolant message come up?
I had the Check Coolant message come up when the temperatures here in Baltimore got well below freezing for a few days. I checked the coolant and it seemed okay…just barely above the minimum level when cold, but at least above that. But here’s the thing: the message says “check coolant level” not, “low coolant”.
How to check the coolant level in a car?
1. Open cap on the coolant reservoir carefully and allow any overpressure to escape. (As per current step 3) 2. Then unscrew the cap completely. (As per current step 4) 3. Shine a torch down into the reservoir and read off the engine coolant level… (etc. as per current step 1)
What does it mean when your coolant level is too low?
Reading the US manual (pdf-copy) I’m afraid the text there is misleading, the red warnings come from too hot engine while (according to the manual) the text reads “coolant low, stop vehicle, turn off engine”.
Why does coolant come out of my car when I run hot?
Topping it up at cold might end up excess coolant coming out when the engine runs hot. Hopefully not and instead the coolant was not filled exactly high enough.
When to check the coolant level in your car?
Always check your coolant level when the car is cold. If you happen to have an older vehicle without a visible overflow and fill tank, you’ll have to check the antifreeze/coolant level by looking into the radiator.
When does the low coolant level warning light go out?
When you start the engine, the low coolant level light should come on for a second or two and then go out. If it doesn’t go out, either the coolant level is too low or there is a problem with the sensor system.
Where do I find the coolant reservoir on my car?
Open your hood and locate your radiator and coolant reservoir. Some older vehicles don’t include a reservoir, but most modern vehicles have a small tank for filling and checking the coolant level. The reservoir should be clear plastic, so you can easily see the level of coolant and the maximum fill line.
What to do if your car has a coolant leak?
Park your vehicle over a dry surface. Let the car run until it is fully warmed up, then park it overnight. In the morning, check for any coolant leaks on the ground underneath the vehicle. Feel the undersides of your radiator hoses for leaks. See if tightening the hose clamps solves the problem. If not, the worn hoses should be replaced.