Knowing how to top off coolant is important since maintaining a correct level of antifreeze in the radiator prevents your car from overheating.
Antifreeze plays a vital role in your cooling system. It circulates inside the engine, absorbs the heat, and sheds it when reaching the radiator.
When the level of the antifreeze is low, metal parts of the engine can’t cool down, thus, fuse themselves. Plus, it can make the coolant blow out of the reservoir.
Therefore, regularly checking and topping off coolant helps your engine stay cool and avoid disastrous consequences when the car is overheating and a huge repair bill.
How To Top Off Coolant
What Do You Need To Prepare?
Before learning how to top off radiator fluid, make sure you have everything on-hand by checking the list below.
- Antifreeze
- Distilled water (you’ll need it to mix with the straight antifreeze, but there’s no need for it if what you have is the pre-mixed one)
- Rags
- A funnel (optional to avoid spilling)
What Type Of Antifreeze Should You Buy?
You should check your owner’s manual for the proper type of antifreeze.
The one “approved for all vehicles” is not recommended because different chemical compositions may thicken the liquid and clog up the small passages.
The suggested ratio of antifreeze and water is 50/50. You can buy the straight coolant and then mix it with water or the pre-mixed version, but the former is preferable.
Plus, antifreeze has two major types. One contains a corrosion inhibitor; the other one includes a corrosion inhibitor and antifreeze.
Consult with a service advisor if you don’t know what’s already in your engine radiator because mixing different types may affect the engine.
Step-by-step Guide
Can I add coolant to my car myself? Yes, you can do it by following our instructions.
Step 1. Keep The Engine Cool Before Starting
Make sure you don’t start your coolant topping process with a hot engine. Let your car cool down before starting; otherwise, the fluid inside the hot reservoir may splash out on you.
Use the parking brake and open the hood.
Step 2. Locate The Reservoir
Can I just top off the coolant? Before doing that, you should know where the tank is located.
Look for a clear plastic tub with colored liquid inside. It usually comes with a cap warning “Caution.” Read your vehicle handbook if you can’t find the reservoir’s location.
Step 3. Check The Fluid Level
To determine whether you need to top off the coolant or not, check its level by finding the marked lines on the outside of the reservoir.
Your antifreeze should be within the tolerance of minimum and maximum lines; otherwise, refill it.
Step 4. Mix The Fluid With Water
You can skip this step if you buy the pre-mixed liquid. If not, you need to make a solution of 50/50 coolant and distilled water to top off the engine coolant.
Step 5. Top Off The Radiator
If you find a cap on the radiator covering the liquid, just top it off until it’s visible at the bottom of the filter neck.
Wait some moments for the air to come out from the liquid (at this point, the level will slightly be lower) and fill until it reaches the bottom of the neck again.
Step 6. Top Off The Reservoir
How to top off engine coolant? The last step of this process is to slowly unscrew the cap to release any pressure and pour the mixture inside the reservoir until the max line, but not above it.
The fluid needs extra room to expand due to the heat, so there’s no need to overfill; otherwise, the pressure in the tank can “blow” the cap off or break the seals. When you finish, replace the lid.
Tips To Top Off Antifreeze
As simple as it might sound, yet you need to keep some notes in mind to conduct the process smoothly and effectively. A minor mistake can lead to a disastrous aftermath with a coolant leak.
- Always refer to your owner manual to know the correct type and amount of fluid you need.
- The antifreeze approved for all cars is cheaper and acceptable, but it’s better to go for the one specialized for your vehicle only.
- Adding normal water instead of antifreeze is not advisable as it can contaminate and block the pipes inside the engine. However, if you have no choice, you still need water rather than letting the machine get hot.
- Distilled water containing no harmful elements can be an alternative in this case. Its purity may not create any bad effect on the engine, and thus can be used when you can’t find any antifreeze to reduce the heat and eliminate its potential negative consequences.
What Does The Antifreeze Do?
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is the fluid in charge of cooling down your engine. It flows inside the engine’s pipes, absorbs the heat, and transfers to the radiator.
As the vehicle moves, the liquid becomes cooler via airflow. When you stop the car, you can still hear the sound of the fan working. It means the engine with the antifreeze is cooling down.
How To Know If My Engine Fluid Has A Problem?
Paying attention to the thermometer on your dashboard is a way to know whether you have an issue with the antifreeze.
You may have a thermometer warning light on or an increase in normal temperature. Check the fluid level and top up immediately to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
If the situation happens quite often, think of a chance of a leak. Check the hoses, seals, clamps, etc., to identify the problems, such as the radiator hose leak at the clamp.
A leakage requires you to change some components or even the whole tank.
When Do You Need Coolant Top Off?
Periodically checking the antifreeze level is the best way to know if you need a top-up. Manufacturers may suggest some time suitable for changing the fluid, yet it varies depending on the vehicle.
When you see some signs, such as discoloration, or contaminants in the mixture, such as rust, change them immediately to protect your engine.
Can I Top Off Coolant By Myself?
You can just top off the coolant by yourself by following our instructions above. Make sure you have the correct new coolant to do the process.
The product should be available in any petrol station or motoring supply shop.
If you’re not confident you can top off coolant on your own, bring your vehicle to the auto repair shop. Plus, changing the liquid whenever you have your periodical maintenance is also an option.
Conclusion
Our guide on how to top off coolant will help you get the job done by yourself.
Remember to choose the appropriate type according to your manual book and mix it with water with a ratio of 50/50 (in case you don’t buy the pre-mixed one).
Open the cap of the reservoir when the engine is not hot and gradually pour the liquid inside.
The process of how to top off antifreeze is easy for a confident home mechanic, but you can decide to have it done in a service center.
No matter what you choose, do it regularly to protect your engine from severe and costly damage.