Checking and Adding Radiator Fluid
Maintaining you radiator fluid or coolant is very important. Your radiator coolant is what keeps your engine cool and prevents overheating of very important elements in your car. Sometimes you may need to check your radiator fluid level to determine if you are low. Checking the fluid and adding fluid if needed is a quick and easy process.
Most vehicles do not require that you add coolant directly to the radiator. Many newer models of cars offer a reservoir to safely add radiator fluid without ever having to open the radiator cap. If you need coolant right away due to overheating and do not have any coolant on hand, water can be replaced as long as the outside temperature is above freezing. Adding water when the temperature is too cold will cause the potential of the water to freeze and damage your radiator system.
- Open the hood of your car by pulling the inside latch and releasing the hood. Secure the hood using the pole that is offered on most cars to latch your hood open safely while you check your radiator fluid level.
- Locate your coolant reservoir underneath the hood of your car. It is usually a large plastic container with an opening on the top. It should have a green fluid in it or may be empty depending on how low you are on coolant. If it is empty and you are not sure if you have located the reservoir, follow the hose that leads from the reservoir; if you have located the correct spot this hose will lead to your car's radiator.
- Locate the fill line on your radiator's reservoir. There should be line in the container that is marked full line. If your coolant level is under this line, you will need to add coolant to your reservoir. If the container is empty be prepared to add quite a bit of coolant.
- Fill the radiator reservoir with coolant to the fill line, and then replace the cap.