How to Check Coolant Level

Engine coolant prevents internal combustion engines from getting too hot. The constantly moving parts generate a lot of heat, and your engine operates the best at a temperature above the boiling point of water. As such, coolant works in concert with the radiator to keep the parts of your engine cool enough so the parts work correctly and move properly. Water doesn’t do the job because your engine has an optimal operational temperature at around 220 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coolant levels decrease naturally throughout the life of your vehicle’s engine due to fluctuating temperatures in your engine and external temperatures from season to season. Because of this, you’ll need to check coolant levels every once in a while to make sure the engine doesn’t come close to overheating if you see low Chevy coolant.

This simple maintenance check can help your vehicle’s engine last longer while lowering your overall costs of vehicle ownership. Discover more details about how to check coolant levels from the team at Stingray Chevrolet.

What Is Coolant?

Engine coolant regulates the temperature of the internal combustion engine and its parts by transferring heat from the engine to the radiator thanks to a series of pumps, coolant lines, and a fan. Every newor used vehicle requires engine coolant for them to run correctly.

Engine coolant contains an additive, typically ethylene glycol, that keeps the fluid from freezing when the temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Coolant also doesn’t boil when it reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit, unlike water. Engine coolant typically boils at 223 degrees Fahrenheit when it’s a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. Ethylene glycol by itself boils at 287 degrees Fahrenheit. The idea is to keep your engine cool enough so that vital parts don’t break down due to the friction they cause from moving parts.

What to Look for When Checking Chevy Coolant Levels

There is one thing you need to know about checking Chevy coolant levels. You don’t have to open the radiator cap itself. That is on the actual radiator mechanism at the front of your engine, and the radiator itself might be too warm. There is typically a warning on the radiator cap on the part itself. Instead, check the markings on the side of the coolant reservoir to see the level of coolant currently in your vehicle. The reservoir is typically close to the front passenger’s side in the engine compartment. You should be able to see the coolant in a plastic container.

Your engine coolant level is fine if you see it reach the “full” marking line shown on the side of the reservoir. If you see a low coolant level, remove the reservoir’s cap, and add the coolant or a 50/50 mix of coolant and water until it reaches the mark.

Please read the bottle of your chosen engine coolant to see if it’s premixed. If it isn’t premixed, you may have to add water to the coolant before adding it to the reservoir. Follow the instructions and warnings on the coolant bottle precisely. Finally, look at the hoses connected to the radiator for any leaks or damage. Check the reservoir again in a week to make sure the coolant level is still the same. Then, look at it regularly every three to six months as usual to check if your vehicle has a low coolant level for best results.

Important note: Always add more coolant when the engine is completely cool. Also, don’t attempt to open the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is still hot. If your car overheats and you open the cap, you run the risk of the engine coolant bursting out of the reservoir and scalding you or worse. Always open the reservoir cap slowly for safety in case it boils up when you release the pressure. The reservoir cap might also be hot. Consider using a rag or dirty towel to open the reservoir cap.

When to Get Service With Your Chevy Engine Coolant

Coolant is thinner than motor oil yet thicker than water. If you notice a sludge-like appearance when you check your Chevy coolant level, schedule service with our team in Plant City ASAP. Your engine might have an internal gasket leak, which can turn serious very quickly. Driving your vehicle is possible with a leaking gasket. Unfortunately, this problem will drain the coolant quickly as the engine moves. This means you risk overheating the engine and severe damage if you keep driving it with a leaking gasket. Consider a tow truck to bring your vehicle in for service with a leaking gasket to protect your engine and keep your repair costs at a minimum if this issue appears.

When to Change the Engine Coolant

Coolant levels deplete over time naturally as you drive your car in and around Lakeland. It’s a good idea to check for low coolant levels every three to six months just to keep an eye on the reservoir. If you notice a sudden temperature spike on your engine’s thermometer, which will show up on the dash, or your engine gives you an overheat warning, check the coolant level as soon as possible. However, you must be careful with an overheated engine because you could burn yourself.

Coolant typically comes in blue, green, yellow, or red hues. You must flush the system and replace the fluid if it’s sludgy, brownish, or even colorless. The service team at Stingray Chevrolet will happily take care of a radiator flush and fill as well as any radiator repairs whenever you require this kind of car maintenance near Valrico.

Even if you don’t need to add coolant to your vehicle, every 50,000 or so miles you should get a radiator flush and fill to keep this part in top condition. Over time, the engine coolant may cause little bits of metal to come off of your radiator’s walls. This is perfectly normal, and a complete flush and fill will keep the radiator in good working order by conditioning and protecting the metal, cleaning the radiator, and giving your coolant system new life.

Bring Your Vehicle in for Service in Plant City!

Have more questions about checking your coolant level or your car maintenance and repairs? Feel free to contact us or call (813) 704-2102. Our service center is located near Brandon. Our team wants to keep your vehicle in top shape so you can enjoy it for years to come! Also, keep an eye on our current service specials to see if you can save money on your next vehicle repair, whether you need an oil change, tire rotation, battery replacement, or brake service from our certified technicians.