How to Check Coolant Levels

Learning how to check coolant levels is one of the easiest ways to get more familiar with DIY maintenance—and since coolant plays such a crucial role in your vehicle, we think this is one task that every owner should understand! In order to check your coolant level, you just have to take these steps:

1. Turn off your engine and give the vehicle plenty of time to cool. Make sure that you’re parked on level ground.
2. Locate the coolant reservoir. It’s usually located to the right of your engine, but you can always check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where to look.
3. Find the “Full” line on the side of the reservoir.
4. If your coolant level isn’t where it should be, check your owner’s manual to find out what kind of coolant you should use. Then, pick up the right product at our parts department.
5. If your engine isn’t completely cool, you should not touch the radiator cap or try to add more coolant. If your engine is cool, you can unscrew the cap and add more coolant with a funnel.

What is Coolant?

The meaning of the word “coolant” is fairly evident on the surface, but coolant doesn’t just keep your engine cool when it’s running hot. Coolant also protects your engine from freezing!

So, what is coolant? It’s a fluid that regulates the temperature of your vehicle’s most sensitive mechanical parts.

When Should Coolant Be Flushed or Replaced?

Coolant levels can deplete over time, so you should check your reservoir every three to six months at least. It’s also a good idea to check your coolant level before you take a longer drive, or whenever the seasons start to change in Jersey City and Fort Lee.

It’s a good idea to completely flush and replace your coolant at least once every two years, or roughly once every 30,000 miles. Coolant might be green, blue, orange, or yellow—but if it looks diluted, or much darker than it once did, then you should replace your coolant sooner rather than later.

Moreover, if you’re checking your coolant levels and notice that something’s off, you should schedule service as soon as possible. Coolant is a little bit thicker than water—but if it’s thick, sludgy, or dirty, then you may have an internal gasket leak. You don’t have to call a tow truck, but since an internal gasket leak could put you at risk of an overheating engine, you should absolutely get into the shop at the earliest opportunity.

Let Jaguar Englewood Help You Out!

If you think you need a coolant flush or you want a second set of eyes on your reservoir, don’t hesitate to schedule service. Our service center is easy to reach from anywhere near New York City or Englewood, and we have plenty of service specials that you can explore online!