Step by step: Check engine coolant level

Engine coolant is important to your vehicle’s function. It keeps your engine cool and protects it from overheating. This prevents costly damage, and allows optimal engine performance. Every driver ought to know how to check the coolant level. The vehicle’s engine must be cool before checking the engine coolant level. Engine coolant expands when it is heated, this makes the liquid rise in the engine coolant reservoir, to give an accurate reading the engine should be cold.

1 Open the bonnet and locate the engine coolant reservoir. This will be to the far side of the vehicle, left or right, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The lid to the reservoir will often have “Engine Coolant Only” printed on it.

Look out for the line on the side of the engine coolant reservoir and a heading of “COLD” or “FULL”. There may also be a “WARM” level indicator. The “COLD” indicator is the one you want to use.
2 Add engine coolant to the reservoir if the liquid is below the “COLD” indicator line. Low levels of engine coolant can lead to engine overheating, causing expensive damage. Observe to see that the engine coolant reservoir is holding the added liquid. If it falls below the “COLD” indicator before your next check, there may be a leak. Any leak needs to be checked out and repaired as soon as possible.

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