Basic Car Care : How to Check & Add Radiator Fluid

[chicagonorthridge]

I like it when some one explains the mechanism of the things!!

[thakurland]

Thank you! It was very useful!

[wheely132]

DAMN! I didn't know you could get pre-mixed coolant! COOL!

[wheely132]

Ahaha my auto mechanics teacher told us we don't have to mix Anti-Freeze and water together.. I don't know what he is smoking but the ANTI-FREEZE is obviously just an addditive to the water to prevent freezing/boiling.

[johntall124]

instead of using coolant can I just add water?

[mainewilderness]

@johntall124 yeah i guess u can. my dad does it all the time. i think u should just use anti freeze during the winter cause u dont want it to freeze

[mrtalkalotofshit1]

@johntall124

i used water in my truck for the last two years and it was fine

and i live in chicago..it gets below zero and never had a problem

[Inswinger718]

I'm having some issues with my 1999 Altima's radiator. Yesterday the car overheated. When I open the radiator cap (after letting it cool, of course) I noticed that I couldn't see any fluid. I checked the reservoir and the reservoir had plenty of fluid. What could be the reason for the fluid not getting to the radiator form the reservoir? Is it a malfunctioning radiator cap?

[Colombianfunk]

@Inswinger718 Do you have any idle issues? I would turn the heater on to max heat and turn the fan off. That will open up the valve. Add a little coolant and moniter whats going on.

From what you're saying it sounds like the resivour is not reverse syphoning. If its not the cap (which is a good guess) I would suspect you have to bleed out the air in the system.

I know in Hondas there is a bleeder srew you can loosen, but just be marginal when adding coolant to be safe.

[nzk20a]

fuk this dudes a twat!

[bonnie43uk]

Important information:: If you are unable to locate the coolant system after opening the hood, .. i always use the "Ip dip, sky blue, .. who's it .. not you"!! method.

[HardiHawleriKURD]

TANKHX ALOT!!

[SonikBlu23]

my radiator doesnt have a cap..

only a reservoir.

is that normal?

[98770]

@SonikBlu23 add the coolant / water to the reservoir tank. your system is based on a circulation loop design. its not much different.

[maRqieBoy]

what if i put too much in the resevoir?

[vsalhan1]

if you put too much in the resevoir......the fluid can come out and cause rust and grime around it.....

[loung747]

and rust where it tuches

[cuddlefulknife]

to much wont hurt it, but if you do add too much, dont keep adding more.

[wampwampmjl]

Use a turkey baster to get the excess out. You should really flush the coolant not just to p it off.

[noahsmith88]

thanks, this was very helpful

[0151JK]

in the resevoir? sorry.

[0151JK]

do you need to add water to the antifreeze or is just antifreeze okay?

[gorgorbichon]

It depends on which antifreeze you're using and it also depends on which car you have.

Consult your vehicle owners manual to find out if you need to add water or buy a specific antifreeze...