So you must keep checking the engine coolant level so that the engine does not overheat. Water mixed with antifreeze is used to maintain the temperature of your car engine. This important fluid can cause costly repairs and possibly, breakdowns whenever the weather conditions are extreme. If, however, you want to save your time and money and refill the coolant yourself, we’ll help you with that. In this guide, we will learn how to add coolant to your car and give you more information to help you maintain your vehicle in the best way possible. 

How to Add Coolant to Car 

Cooling systems for all vehicles in the market today are very easy and only require a little attention during the process. In this article, you will find out how you can keep your engine cool and how you can keep your car in good shape, especially during hot seasons. 

Understanding Engine Coolant – Why It’s Important and What It Does 

It is simply a unique type of fluid that has the capability of helping the engine control and maintain its temperature. It confines a solution of water and antifreeze at a proportion of 1:1 depending on the characteristics of certain automobiles. The primary functions of coolant are: 

• Temperature Regulation:

  The coolant is imperative to ensuring that your engine’s ecology is maintained at an optimum temperature. They also pump coolant around the engine to help cool it down in the event it becomes hot and nearly reaches its danger point. Coolant in extreme situations makes sure that the engine’s water doesn’t freeze, this will lead to major damage to the internal part of the engine. 

• Prevents Corrosion:

  With time, the metals used in your engine and the radiator can rust. It has been noted that antifreeze has some additives, which really help reduce corrosion on your engine and the entire cooling system. 

• Lubrication:

  Coolant also helps act as a lubricant to some of your engine components including the water pump, and hence helps to increase their durability. 

Without adequate coolant in the system, your engine stands a high risk of overheating and this could lead to the worst situation like your gasket blowing up or even worse, your engine cracks. One of the aspects, that must be checked constantly, is the coolant level in a car’s engine. 

Step-by-Step Guide – How to Add Coolant to Car 

With that out of the way let’s take a look at how to add coolant to your vehicle here is the step-by-step guide on how to fix a coolant leak on your automobile. It is also important to always follow these steps correctly and if unsure, always consult your particular vehicle owner’s manual for the correct procedure for your car make and model. 

Step 1: Park Your Car and Turn Off the Engine 

To start with it is important to consider the tranquil and safe place to park your car. Switch off the power let it run down, and rest for some time so that it may cool down. This can take from 30 minutes to one hour. Never try to open the coolant cap while the system is hot, which is because the coolant system is pressurized, and so opening it while hot will result in the release of hot steam or hot coolant, which may cause injuries. 

Step 2: Pop the Hood and Find the Coolant Reservoir 

After your engine has warmed up, release the bonnet of your car and you are set to go. The coolant reservoir usually is a white or clear plastic container marked with a minimum and maximum level. Typically in most vehicles, it is installed at the front part of the engine compartment right above or near the radiator. In case, you are not sure, locate it by reading the owner manual of your car to find where it is located. 

Step 3: Check the Coolant Level 

Check how much coolant is remaining in the reservoir. If you see your coolant between the “min” and “max” lines then no action is required, meaning no additional coolant is required. That is if it is below the ‘min’ line, it’s about time to refill it. It also allows you to identify low levels of coolant to avoid immense strain on the vehicle engine. 

Step 4: Open the Coolant Cap 

Rather slowly, twist the cap off the tank with coolant. If they try to fight you or you notice that you hear any hissing while you are hammering, you should stop and give the engine time to cool further. Some may be tight because pressure has built up inside to a point that it becomes almost impossible to remove the cap. You should also place the cap somewhere safe so that it cannot be misplaced as soon as it is removed. 

Step 5: Add the Coolant 

Turn the car to the ‘on’ position, then use the funnel and slowly pour the coolant into the reservoir. It is also important that the correct coolant should be used in your car. Usually, 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water fill most cars, not all today’s modern cars require premixed coolant. Pour gently to prevent spilling the liquid on the sample. If any is spilt, it should be washed immediately since antifreeze is dangerous to human and animal health. Add multi drive fluid just up to the max level if you attempt to overfill multi-drive fluid it will expand when hot and it will splatter all over. 

Step 6: Take off the Cap and Look for Leakage 

Then screw the cap back into the coolant reservoir well and tightly. As the last step turn on the engine and let it run for 5-10 minutes while the coolant circulates within the system. After the engine has been running for a while the popularity turns it off and checks on the coolant level again. If it has, then fill it up again. While at that, it may be a good idea to check below the bonnet for any signs of leakage around the radiator or the hose. 

Additional Considerations for Adding Coolant 

Just as important is knowing how to add coolant in the first place. There are a couple of other things to bear in mind to optimize your cooling system and use the appropriate products. 

1. 1. Different Types of Coolant

Unfortunately, there are many different types of coolant on the market and using the wrong one is bad news for your engine. The three primary types are: 

• i. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT):

  Found mostly in older cars, this coolant has a limited working life and should be changed every two years or after 24,000 miles. 

• ii. Organic Acid Technology (OAT):

  Used in most modern vehicles, OAT coolant comes with enhanced durability and does not require frequent flush – every five years or 50,000 miles, for example. 

• iii. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT):

  This coolant is a mixture of IAT and OAT and is suitable for particular car models; it has improved corrosion protection. 

You should always check your vehicle’s manual or better still consult a mechanic regarding the type of coolant to use. 

2. 2. The Need to Service Coolant Fluid

However, similar to every other engine system, coolant systems require regular overhauls even though they are usually designed to last for years. It is recommended you should inspect the coolant levels every few weeks but this is especially so before any long-distance travel or while you are using the car in extremely hot or cold weather. Also, most of the manufacturers have encouraged the coolant system should be flushed and the old coolant should be changed after a certain mileage ranging between 30,000 and 50,000. This makes it easier to wash off any rust or dirt that may have built up on the system and your engine will always be protected. 

FAQs 

1. 1. Can I Just Add Water to My Coolant System?

You can dilute your coolant with water in an emergency if you’ve run out of coolant and you need to get to a mechanic. In this case, though, water is a poor conductor of heat and anti-corrosive when compared with antifreeze. When using only water the device can overheat or freeze due to weather conditions if used for a long time. 

2. 2. Does the Car Need to Be Running When Adding Coolant?

No, the car should always be turned off and should be cold before you make an addition to the coolant. The system should not be opened when the engine is on or hot because this leads to pressure build-up and anything opened will expel hot coolant or steam, which leads to burns. 

3. 3. How Often Should I Add Coolant?

If your car’s coolant system is well maintained you should not find yourself frequently adding coolants to the container. But if that is being done probably once every few months then you might have a leak or a bigger issue with the cooling system and you should go have it checked by a professional. 

4. 4. What Happens If I Overfill the Coolant Reservoir?

In the event of an overflow, it either means that the coolant has been overfilled, or that the engine has heated up and the coolant has expanded. This can lead to the coolant dripping out of the reservoir and causing further damage to the other components of the engine. 

5. 5. What Should I Do If My Car Overheats?

If a car overheats, the driver should stop the car and turn off the car immediately. Never the coolant while the engine you are working on is still running or hot. But rather wait for it to cool down and then check the coolant levels if they are enough or require a refill. If they are low, fill them in slowly, if the situation does not change, it is advisable to turn to a professional mechanic. 

Maintaining a Healthy Cooling System 

One of the most effective methods of avoiding engine overheating and at the same time extending the lifespan of the car is by checking and replacing the car’s coolant from time to time. This guide on how to add coolant to a car’s cooling system sets you up for maximum performance no matter the weather; you might as well embrace yourself for control. 

Please remember when it comes to acquiring auto parts such as antifreeze and other high quality, visit UPI Auto Parts. We sell at prices that are affordable and we have a wide range of products that will ensure your car is well maintained.