How to check and top up coolant

Coolant keeps your engine from overheating in summer and freezing in winter. Low coolant usually means a leak.

5 minutesEasyPrevents overheating damage

What you need

  • The coolant type your car uses (never mix types)
  • A funnel and rag

Steps

  1. Only check when the engine is completely cold. Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap.
  2. Find the see-through overflow reservoir and read the level against the MIN and MAX marks.
  3. If it's low, add the correct pre-mixed coolant up to the MAX line.
  4. If you keep needing to add coolant, have the system pressure-tested for a leak.
Tips: Coolant tastes sweet to pets and is poisonous. Wipe up spills right away.

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