How and why to check the coolant level

Most of us often refer to coolant as "antifreeze". However, its properties are not limited to frost protection.

The engine gets very hot during operation and requires regular cooling to prevent it from blocking. Otherwise, fatal consequences are possible. Modern on-board computers warn of overheating. In older vehicles, the driver has to supervise the operation of the tools himself. They have a coolant temperature indicator on the instrument panel.

A liquid mixed in a certain proportion with water is used to cool the engine. It is in the container under the lid. For regions with a high scale content, it is recommended to use distilled water. It is also important that the coolant level does not drop. When this happens, the system will beep.

Checking the coolant level regularly is especially important for older vehicles that do not have a warning system. The correct level is easy to determine just by looking - on the coolant reservoir, the minimum and maximum levels are embossed, which must not be exceeded. It is important to know that the test must be carried out on a cold engine.

If the level falls below the required level, the engine starts to heat up more. The remaining coolant overheats and begins to evaporate. In this case, the journey cannot be continued until water is added. In addition, it is necessary to identify the cause of fluid loss. If the expansion tank is cracked, the vehicle must be towed.

During the cold season, it is important that the coolant contains antifreeze. Water freezes at 0 degrees, which can damage the engine. Antifreeze allows the coolant not to freeze even at minus 30 degrees. The premixed mixture is poured into the equalizing tank, and care must be taken not to exceed the maximum level.

Be very careful when adding fluid. If you open the cover of the equalization tank, you can get burned by the steam escaping from it. If the engine is overheated, boiling water may spill out. Therefore, always turn the lid slowly and let the steam escape before opening the lid fully.

Coolant is one of the components that you always need to keep an eye on. Therefore - once a month look under the hood.