How Do I Know When My Car Needs Engine Coolant?

Signs that your car needs engine coolant

Engine coolant is a vital part of your car’s cooling system. It helps to keep your engine from overheating and damaging vital components. If your car is running low on coolant, it can cause serious problems, including engine failure.

There are several signs that can indicate that your car needs engine coolant. These include:

Overheating engine – If your car’s engine is overheating, it could be a sign that you are low on coolant. When the coolant level is low, the engine does not have enough fluid to absorb and dissipate heat, causing it to overheat.
Leaking coolant – If you see a puddle of coolant under your car, it could be a sign that you have a leak. Coolant leaks can occur anywhere in the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, and water pump.
Low coolant level – You can check the coolant level in your car by looking at the coolant reservoir. The reservoir is usually located under the hood and is made of clear plastic. If the coolant level is below the “full” mark, it could be a sign that you need to add more coolant.
Discolored coolant – If the coolant in your car is discolored, it could be a sign that it is old and needs to be replaced. Coolant should be a bright green or red color. If it is brown or black, it is time to change it.

How to add engine coolant

If you think that your car needs engine coolant, you can add it yourself. Here are the steps:

Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
Open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir.
Check the coolant level and add coolant if necessary.
Close the hood and start the engine.

It is important to note that adding coolant to your car will not fix a leak. If you think that your car has a coolant leak, you should take it to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired.