Antifreeze or coolant is used to keep your car cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also helps prevent rust, scale, and acid from forming; which can overheat and damage your engine. You should check that your car has enough coolant or antifreeze every time you change your oil.
1. Open the hood.
2. Find the coolant/antifreeze reservoir. On newer cars, this is usually a semi-transparent plastic container toward the front of the engine.
3. Check the level of coolant inside using a flashlight. There may be high/low markings on the side of the reservoir to help guide you.
If your coolant or antifreeze is low, check with the owner’s manual on the proper type of fluid to use to replace it. Many cars need a coolant/water mixture, usually one that is 50 percent antifreeze/coolant and 50 percent water.
Remember, do it yourself projects are designed to save you money, but they will require an investment in time. Most only take a few minutes, but some can take much longer. The more experienced you become the faster you will be able to complete the project. Although not all car maintenance is a project for the backyard, most can be easy to accomplish and save you a few dollars along the way.
