How to refill coolant
Did you know...?
Coolant and antifreeze are not quite the same thing. Antifreeze typically has a concentrated, glycol-based base which stops the engine from freezing up. When antifreeze is diluted with water, it becomes coolant and is used to ensure that water in your engine doesn’t freeze, or boil!
When should you check your coolant?
No matter what the weather is outside, you need to keep an eye on your car coolant levels to prevent overheating and protect your engine. You should check your coolant levels at least twice a year. It’s recommended you do this before summer and again before winter so you’re aware of your levels before any extreme weather changes occur.
How to check and refill your coolant: step-by-step
If you are going to refill your coolant, you’ll need to wait at least three hours to give your engine a chance to cool and make sure no pressurised water escapes when you remove the coolant cap (as this could burn you).
- Park your car on a flat surface, and make sure you wait at least ten minutes from the last use to give the engine a chance to cool.
- Open up your bonnet and secure it safely.
- Find your coolant reservoir. If you’re not sure where this is, your vehicle’s handbook should help you locate it
- Look for the minimum and maximum marks on the side of your coolant reservoir tub.
- Your coolant level should be in-between these marks. If it’s below or near the minimum mark, then you’ll need to top-up.
- To refill coolant, first you’ll need to know if you’re using the coolant as is or if you need to dilute the solution with distilled water. Follow the instructions on your Mobil coolant for this.
- Remove the cap from the coolant reservoir slowly bit by bit, letting the pressure release while you keep your distance slightly (remember your engine needs to have not been in use for at least three hours before doing this part).
- Using a funnel slowly pour in the correct coolant for your car until it reaches the cold fill line. The funnel is to help avoid any spilling on your hands or the ground.
- Twist the cap back onto the coolant reservoir until it clicks into place and then close your bonnet.
Which coolant for my car
Using the right coolant for your car is vital. Different coolants don’t mix well and using the wrong one could cause damage to your engine. Find the right Mobil coolant for your vehicle.
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