What is topping off the coolant all about?

A car’s coolant is an important part of the vehicle’s operating system. Not only does it absorb the 62-percent of lost energy in a typical gas engine, it also maintains an optimal temperature for fuel efficiency and emissions control. Of course, it also supplies much-needed warmth via the heater and defrosting systems.

It’s worthwhile having a mechanic check the coolant level in your car on a routine basis, simply to prevent any problems that might occur down the road. This is something that should only be done when the engine is cool, as the coolant mix reaches very high temperatures, and is under pressure when hot, so it can spray out of the radiator and cause severe burns. We recommend leaving this to our professional mechanics.

Keep in mind:

• The installation of an overflow bottle (customary in the automotive industry) should help coolant levels stay normal.
• Coolant is a mixture of water and anti-freeze in a specified ratio.
• Many motorists completely ignore their car’s cooling system until there’s a problem.

How it's done:

• The vehicle engine is allowed to cool till coolant can be checked for safety
• The radiator cap is removed and fluid level is checked
• The coolant is filled with 50/50 coolant mix to the fill level
• The radiator cap is reinstalled
• The engine is run till fully warm and checked for leaks

Our recommendation:

If you are finding cause to have the radiator coolant level checked frequently, have one of our mechanics check your car for an underlying cooling system issue.

What are the common symptoms indicating you need to top off the coolant?

• Car overheats
• Car ejects coolant onto the ground

How important is this service?

Since overheating can damage important parts of the car’s engine, such as the cylinder head, which can warp and require removal and “skimming,” it’s worthwhile having one of our mechanics check your car's fluid levels at every routine maintenance service.