Driving along in their vehicles – be they truck , car or van most standard homeowners or automobile owners think little of their automotive cooling system in their vehicle until either disaster or inconvenience results. It might be overheating and a major repair bill at the dealership or it be a cold drive on Alberta winter highways with no heat output from their vehicle’s interior heater.

Its like brake or transmission in a vehicle – be it car , truck or SUV. Few think about their fluid levels or the last time maintenance was done on the vehicle. Add in the fact that the car or truck is second hand or used and its anyone’s guess. Yet it is a simple and easy matter to check fluid levels and the protection afforded to cold weather freeze-up of the coolant fluids.

How can anyone be taught how to check the coolant level. Simply open up the engine hood when your car has been sitting for a couple of hours. Look for a coolant canister . Its the overflow bottle container and looks simply like a plastic jug. If you do not know how to open your hood – often bonnets today can be a puzzle to open – then consult the auto manual that came with the car , online , or at the worst call your factory dealer or local garage. Just have your auto make , model and year available handy. To judge fluid levels simply look on the side of the coolant overflow container. There will be a marking “cold” or “cold fluid level”. Simply compare the two marks – that of the level of the fluid in the coolant container and the mark on the side of the bottle. Do you have an adequate amount ?

All in all it is the owners responsibility to ensure that coolant levels are maintained. If you as an auto owner are unsure of how to do this or the procedure then its your responsibility to assign this task and responsibility to someone knowledgeable ” be it your spouse , son ,daughter or the mechanic or dealership that services your vehicle on an ongoing basis.

Its not only a matter of long term truck or car car and long life. Its not only about keeping your vehicle in good running order and a proper ongoing maintenance schedule. it is also about safety. If your vehicle breaks down prematurely or your rad overheats due to low coolant levels you may be stranded in less than desirable circumstances. In a cold winter time period – say in northern Alberta Canada or Manitoba without a properly working heat defrost mechanism you are a menace on the road to other drivers and vehicles on roads and highways.

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Driving along in their vehicles – be they truck , car or van most standard homeowners or automobile owners think little of their automotive cooling system in their vehicle until either disaster or inconvenience results. It might be overheating and a major repair bill at the dealership or it be a cold drive on Alberta winter highways with no heat output from their vehicle’s interior heater.

Yet your car or trucks rad or cooling system is not 100 % maintenance free. Forget about it and you may well have engine overheating damage, substantial auto engine repairs or worse, and no heat from your heater.

How can anyone be taught how to check the coolant level. Simply open up the engine hood when your car has been sitting for a couple of hours. Look for a coolant canister . Its the overflow bottle container and looks simply like a plastic jug. If you do not know how to open your hood – often bonnets today can be a puzzle to open – then consult the auto manual that came with the car , online , or at the worst call your factory dealer or local garage. Just have your auto make , model and year available handy. To judge fluid levels simply look on the side of the coolant overflow container. There will be a marking “cold” or “cold fluid level”. Simply compare the two marks – that of the level of the fluid in the coolant container and the mark on the side of the bottle. Do you have an adequate amount ?

Maintenance of proper fluid levels and an adequate amount of antifreeze is everything. You will maintain your engine and transmission within proper temperature ranges. The benefits – less wear and tear on your engine itself , no heat damage or buckling from excessive heat of engines running “hot” as well as the convenience of sufficient heat from your interior heater of your passenger compartment.

Most of the problems we encounter both in life and as auto owners are relatively simple and come down to basics. In this case its a matter of proper ongoing maintenance of your vehicle’s cooling system. If you are unsure of the steps and procedures ask professional help . Your local mechanic , a neighbor or the service department of your local nearby car or truck dealership will be only too obliging to help you out.