The cooling system in your vehicle has a very important job - it will ensure that your engine stays cool while it works hard and omits a ton of heat. If the cooling system isn't working properly, the engine will overheat and the mass amount of heat will begin to warp metal and cause corrosion and damage to important components. This is why it is so important that your cooling system is in working order at all times and that your coolant levels are correct.
Since coolant levels are so important, understanding how to check them yourself can come in handy. Of course you can always bring your vehicle into the experts here at Autoworks of Issaquah for assistance, but if you want to just take a look at your coolant levels throughout the year yourself, here is how to do so.
First, you'll need to look under the hood of your vehicle. Make sure that your car is turned off. If you are unsure of how to look under your car hood safely, please refrain from checking your coolant levels yourself for your own safety. Next, locate the coolant reservoir which holds the coolant. It will look somewhat like a plastic jug and is connected to the radiator. (see the visual below)
You don't have to open the cap to see where the liquid levels are. Examine the reservoir to check to see whether the liquid reaches the “Full” line on the side. If the liquid doesn’t reach the “Full” line, this means that your vehicle is low on coolant. If the coolant looks oily, rusty, or has lots of debris inside, this means that you are do for a coolant exchange.
If you are low on coolant or new an exchange for fresh coolant, bring your vehicle into our experts here at Autoworks of Issaquah for assistance.