What to look for when your coolant level is low?
These are all signs of contamination that may indicate more severe issues like a leak in your head gasket. Other warning signs to look out for include cracked radiator hoses and an extremely low coolant level. These need to be repaired, or your new coolant may leak out.
What kind of coolant should I put in my car?
If your coolant looks great and is just a little low, top it off with premium engine coolant. While IAT formula coolant is the most popular option for most vehicles, be sure to use the same coolant that’s already in your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will have more information about the correct type of coolant.
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 happens if you dont have enough coolant in your car?
Without enough coolant, your engine may overheat. Engine cooling system problems could arise if you don’t have the right mixture of coolant, which is typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Finally, a leak in the system could contaminate your coolant and prevent it from working properly.
Is it normal to lose coolant after 28K miles?
Checked the coolant in bottle as I could see any in the bottle from the side and I heard a air hiss when opening cap. Now the heat has improved. At warm engine the coolant bottle is below the cold mark. I plan on adding some, likely a cup or two. Is a cup or two considered “normal” over 28k miles since last coolant change? What is normal tolerance?
How is coolant lost in an open system?
It doesn’t explain what an “open” system and how it’s designed to lose coolant. It Isn’t Designed To Lose Coolant, It Is Designed With A Pressure-Less Recovery Reservoir. This system allows a small amount of coolant to be lost to evaporation. Here’s my version of an explanation.
When was the last time I replaced coolant in my car?
It has been honestly 3.5 years since it was last replaced/filled (30k miles) and checked. Make mine another vote for checking into any measurable loss. The only path to the outside world for coolant mix to vaporize through should be the pinhole vent in your reservoire cap.
Where does the coolant go when the engine is turned off?
When the system goes above normal pressure, with expanding coolant volume, like when the engine is at full operating temperature and is shut off, excess coolant by-passes the radiator cap and flows through a tube and empties into the top of the plastic recovery reservoir which can go to “full hot” level.