How to Check Your Coolant Level
What you’ll need
None (just your eyes)
Step-by-step guide
Coolant (also called antifreeze) keeps your engine from overheating in summer and freezing in winter. Checking the level is really easy — you do not even need to touch anything under the bonnet.
1. Make sure the engine is cold. This is very important — never check coolant on a hot engine. The system is under pressure and opening it could spray boiling liquid. Wait at least 30 minutes after driving.
2. Open the bonnet and find the coolant reservoir. It is a translucent plastic tank, usually white or yellowish, with a brightly coloured cap (often yellow). It will have min and max markings on the side.
3. Simply look at the side of the tank. You should be able to see the coolant level through the plastic. The liquid inside is usually green, pink, orange, or blue depending on the type.
4. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is below minimum, you need to top it up.
5. To top up, wait until the engine is completely cold, then carefully open the cap (turn it slowly to release any remaining pressure). Add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water, or use premixed coolant. Fill to the max line.
6. Replace the cap and make sure it is secure.
If you find yourself needing to top up coolant frequently, there may be a leak somewhere. Keep an eye out for puddles under your car (coolant is often bright green or pink and has a sweet smell). Mention it to your mechanic if it keeps happening.
1. Make sure the engine is cold. This is very important — never check coolant on a hot engine. The system is under pressure and opening it could spray boiling liquid. Wait at least 30 minutes after driving.
2. Open the bonnet and find the coolant reservoir. It is a translucent plastic tank, usually white or yellowish, with a brightly coloured cap (often yellow). It will have min and max markings on the side.
3. Simply look at the side of the tank. You should be able to see the coolant level through the plastic. The liquid inside is usually green, pink, orange, or blue depending on the type.
4. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is below minimum, you need to top it up.
5. To top up, wait until the engine is completely cold, then carefully open the cap (turn it slowly to release any remaining pressure). Add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water, or use premixed coolant. Fill to the max line.
6. Replace the cap and make sure it is secure.
If you find yourself needing to top up coolant frequently, there may be a leak somewhere. Keep an eye out for puddles under your car (coolant is often bright green or pink and has a sweet smell). Mention it to your mechanic if it keeps happening.