What is checking the coolant level?

Checking the coolant level means opening the engine hood, locating the coolant reservoir, and inspecting the coolant level, which should normally be between the MAX and MIN marks.

Coolant is an indispensable part of a car's engine. It circulates within the engine's cooling system, carrying away excess heat generated during engine operation to ensure the engine runs at its normal operating temperature. When the coolant level is insufficient, it can cause the engine's water temperature to rise excessively, leading to damage to engine components. Once a car owner notices that the coolant is low, it should be promptly replenished.

However, coolant cannot be added arbitrarily, because in addition to its cooling function, it should also serve the following purposes:

1. Anti-corrosion

The coolant should have the function of preventing corrosion of metal parts and aging of rubber components.

2. Anti-scaling

The coolant should minimize scale formation during circulation to avoid clogging the pipes and affecting the heat dissipation function of the cooling system.

3. Winter Frost Protection

To prevent the coolant from freezing after a car is parked in winter, which could cause the radiator and engine block to crack due to expansion, the freezing point of the coolant should be approximately 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in the region, in preparation for sudden weather changes.

In summary, caution should be exercised when selecting and adding coolant. First, choose the appropriate coolant ratio based on the specific situation. Second, add the coolant. Pour the selected coolant into the reservoir until the liquid level reaches the specified position.

Good coolant can provide certain maintenance benefits for the car, while inferior coolant may cause some damage, so car owners must choose carefully.