How to Check Coolant Levels

Just about every driver knows that it’s a very bad sign when an engine is running hot—but what is coolant, and why is it so important? Coolant is the liquid that helps keep your vehicle’s temperature steady; it helps prevent both overheating and freezing. The word ‘coolant’ may be used interchangeably with antifreeze, but ‘coolant’ may also refer to a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Interested in learning about how to check coolant levels at home, or what to do if your Jaguar’s coolant level is low? While you can always schedule service with our team, we’re happy to show you how it’s done.

When to Check Your Coolant Level

Like other car fluids, coolant diminishes over time. Usually, it’s not necessary to flush and replace the existing coolant in the reservoir. In any case, it’s a good idea to check your car’s coolant level every three to six months. Whenever you’re looking under the hood, take a minute to check your coolant — it takes just a minute and can save you money and hassle later down the road. Be sure to check the color. Coolant can be a variety of different colors when purchased, but if the coolant is brown or rust-colored, there may be a radiator issue. You’ll want to schedule a service appointment at our service center and have a technician take a look!

How to Check Your Coolant Level at Home

First and foremost, make sure you’ve allowed your car to sit for a good 30 minutes, so it has plenty of time to cool down. Although you won’t always have to touch the radiator to check your car’s coolant level, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Follow these steps to check your coolant level at home:

1. First, pop the hood and find the radiator. Usually, it’s located near the top of the engine towards the windshield. When in doubt, use your owner’s manual.
2. You should be able to spot a translucent tank with “Minimum” and “Maximum” lines on the side.
3. If the tank level is low, remove the radiator cap. Again, before you take this step, make sure you’ve given the engine plenty of time to cool. 
4. You can get the coolant you need for your Jaguar at our parts center, and keep it on hand in case you need to top up. If you’re not sure what fluid to choose, check your owner’s manual or ask one of our team members.
5. Finally, give the hoses a quick visual inspection; check for any leaks or wear and tear.
6. Don’t forget to note the color of your coolant whenever you add more. This way, if you run into an issue with liquid pooling beneath your vehicle, you’ll know whether it’s coolant.

If your Jaguar’s coolant level is low and you need to add more, use a funnel. As long as you’ve got the right kind of coolant, it’s a pretty easy task. Although you can sometimes use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water, you never want to dilute coolant that has already been pre-mixed—so be sure to read the label carefully!

Checking Coolant Levels: What to Look for

Checking your vehicle’s coolant on a regular basis can help prevent radiator problems, but you’ll always want to be vigilant of any of the following warning signs:

• Water is thinner than coolant but not by much. So, if you notice that your coolant is as thick or thicker than oil, you may have a leaking gasket and you shouldn’t delay in scheduling service.
• Speaking of leaks, you may be dealing with a leaking reservoir or hose if you notice that you’re losing coolant more quickly than normal. This can lead to overheating, so be sure to schedule service right away if you notice this issue.
• If your Jaguar’s coolant level is a little low, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, if your levels are very low or if you feel as though your coolant is depleting more rapidly than usual, it’s a good idea to take a closer look as soon as possible.
• As we stated above, coolant that has a brown or rusty color to it may point to a damaged radiator. You’ll want to have that potential issue addressed as soon as possible.

Get More Service Tips & Tricks from Jaguar Anaheim Hills Certified Pre-Owned & Service!

Knowing how to check coolant levels at home can help prevent issues with overheating or freezing. Contact our service team with any questions, and be sure to browse our current service specials for coupons on parts and services. Looking for more service tips and tricks? Our information hub can give you pointers on everything from maintenance to proper sanitation of your car.