Coolant (a mixture of water and antifreeze) is pumped round the engine, and cools it by means of the radiator. If the level gets low, it can cause overheating and serious damage. It?s normal to have to top up occasionally, but frequent topping-up could mean that there is a leak which needs to be fixed.
Check the coolant level once a week, or before a long journey. The coolant should also be renewed at the specified intervals, because it gradually loses its anti-corrosive properties - see your Haynes Service and Repair Manual for details.
You will need:
- Some coolant of the right type - check your car's handbook.
- Some rag.
- A funnel or a jug might be handy too.
1 Most cars have a coolant reservoir like this. With the engine cold, the coolant level should be between the two marks.
2 If the level's low, top up using a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze (or clean tap water in an emergency, but make up the antifreeze concentration afterwards). Don't overfill.
3 Refit the cap tightly afterwards and mop up any spillage.
Warning!
Never undo the coolant filler cap while the engine is hot - danger of scalding. Place a rag over the cap,and unscrew it slowly to allow any pressure to escape. Wash off splashes of coolant from the skin (it's poisonous) and from the car's bodywork (it can cause paint damage).
Haynes Hints
- A leaking coolant hose can sometimes be patched up with a hose bandage. This will get you out of trouble until a new hose can be fitted.
- A leaking radiator will have to be replaced eventually, but adding a leak sealing compound to the coolant reservoir will sometimes fix it for a while.
- A clogged-up radiator can cause overheating. Try using a cooling system flushing compound to clear it.
- If the engine starts to overheat when you?re driving and you can't stop immediately, put the heater on full (maximum heat, highest blower speed) to disperse some heat.
