How to Check the Coolant Level in Your Car

Our service center staff wants to help you keep your car running in top shape. After all, no one wants to find themselves stranded somewhere in Massillon in an overheated car because the coolant level is low. What is coolant? Coolant is vital to keep your car from overheating and suffering major damage. So, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to check the coolant level in your car and what to do if the coolant level sensor indicates the reservoir is empty.

What is Coolant?

Coolant is vital to keeping your car from overheating. So, what is coolant? Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is an ethylene glycol-based chemical that when mixed with water will even out the internal temperature during extreme external temperatures. But, it does more than that. It prevents corrosion of various components as it is pumped through the engine as well. That’s why the coolant level sensor is an important component of your car – it alerts you when the coolant level is low. But, it is still important to know how to check the coolant level yourself.

How to Check Coolant Level

If you find yourself broken down along a %di_city%% road with steam coming from under the hood, do not open the radiator cap to check the coolant. You could easily get burnt by doing that. Fortunately, you don’t have to remove the radiator cap just to check the fluid. You’ll want to follow the steps below to check the coolant in a safe way. As a side note, some customers have asked us how to check Chevy coolant. But that involves following the same steps:

How to Check the Coolant Level in Your Car

1. Locate the plastic reservoir. The reservoir will be a partially clear plastic container that is connected by a hose to the radiator. There should be markings along the side.
2. Check where the fluid level is compared to the markings on the reservoir. If the fluid level reaches the “full” mark, the coolant level is fine.
3. Refill the coolant if necessary. If the fluid falls short of the “full” line, top off the coolant.

Refilling the Coolant

If the coolant level sensor indicates that the coolant level is low, coolant will need to be poured into the radiator. But it is very important that you wait until the car has cooled down before removing the radiator cap. These are the steps we recommend to our Barberton customers so that they can do this safely:

1. Make sure there is no more steam coming from the radiator and that the radiator cap does not feel warm. 
2. Turn the ignition to “on”, but do not turn on the engine.
3. Check the oil pressure gauge to make sure the car has cooled.
4. Mix the coolant with water if necessary. Check the label to see if your coolant is pre-mixed. If not, mix it with water to a 50/50 ratio. Never fill your radiator with pure coolant.
5. Turn on the engine. This seems counter-intuitive, but you want the coolant circulating as you fill the radiator. It will only circulate while the engine is running.
6. Fill the radiator with mixed coolant. Fill the radiator up to where the cap goes. Replace the cap.

Let the Service Center at Serra Chevrolet Akron Help!

The trained professionals can help if your car is overheating or you have a coolant leak. So, schedule an appointment with us. And, if you found this guide to be helpful, check out our posts on how long tires last and how long batteries last. We’re just down the road from North Canton, and we’re here to help. So, contact us today!