Checking and Adding Radiator Fluid

One of the vital parts of the cooling system of a car isStep 1
coolant known as the radiator fluid. It protects theThe engine must be cool enough before adding
engine from getting overheated. The car can getradiator fluid. It should be made sure because it is very
breakdown requiring expensive repairs if the enginedangerous to open the radiator cap while the engine is
coolant level is low.hot. If the car had been recently driven, then one
Adding radiator fluid to a contemporary car:should wait for at least half an hour before removing
Step 1the radiator cap.
It can be observed that the old models of the carsStep 2
before the 1970s required coolant to be added directlyThe second step is related to the hood release lever
to the radiator. A reservoir tank is featured in newerwhich is present under the dashboard. It has to be
vehicles so that one can access anytime. Thispulled.
excludes German and Swedish cars in which theStep 3
reservoir is present under pressure when the engine isOne can reach under the hood by walking around the
hot.front of the car. The latch can be found and is has to
Step 2be squeezed and pulled up and the hood will be
The second step is related to the hood release leveropened.
which is present under the dashboard. It has to beStep 4
pulled.The radiator cap can be found at the front of the
Step 3engine near the hood latch.
One can reach under the hood by walking around theStep 5
front of the car. The latch can be found and is has toThe cap can be removed by rotating it, using a rag.
be squeezed and pulled up and the hood will beWhen there is a doubt about whether it is safe to
opened.remove the cap, several rags can be used and the lid
Step 4can be unscrewed slowly.
The plastic reservoir tank is to be found which shouldStep 6
be at least holding some deposit of coolant normallyOne can look in the radiator. If the fluid does not reach
green in color but in some cases there are also redthe top of the radiator just below the cap's opening,
versions available in the market. The plastic reservoir isthen coolant can be added.
often labeled and it also has a hose that goes to theTips and Warningso The hose which leads from
radiator.reservoir to radiator is a sign that one is not pouring
Step 5the coolant into the windshield wiper reservoir.o The
The cap is to be now unscrewed and coolant to beradiator cap should never try to be removed if the car
the added till "full" line. Half mixture of water and halfis overheated. It is very dangerous and can cause
antifreeze which makes almost 50-50 combines toserious burns.o The low reservoir does not mean that
make coolant. Although water can also be addedthe coolant got used up. The car may have a leak.o
strictly in case the reservoir is empty and the car is inThe coolant is poisonous and pets should be kept
danger of getting overheating.away. It should not be left lying around.
Adding fluid to an old car